HOUSTON (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks suffered a 112-108 loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday, resulting in their second-lowest scoring game of the season. Rather than dwelling on the offensive struggles, two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed his concern about the team’s defensive effort. Antetokounmpo passionately emphasized the need for defensive improvement if the Bucks want to achieve their ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship.
According to Antetokounmpo, the Bucks’ defensive effort was lacking against the Rockets. He criticized the lack of pride, excessive helping, and poor rebounding, stating that it was not reflective of the team’s identity. This season, the Bucks’ defensive rating has dropped, ranking 21st in the league and allowing opponents to score an average of 115.9 points per 100 possessions.
The Rockets dominated the first half, scoring 63 points and giving the Bucks a 20-point deficit at halftime. Bucks coach Adrian Griffin made adjustments by substituting rookie Andre Jackson Jr. for Malik Beasley in the second half. The team showed improvement, winning both the third and fourth quarters. However, Antetokounmpo reiterated the importance of consistent defensive effort, highlighting the need to rely on stops rather than high-scoring offense.
Antetokounmpo has been increasingly vocal about the team’s defensive struggles in recent weeks. Following the Bucks’ fourth loss to the Indiana Pacers this season, he emphasized the need to prioritize defense over outscoring opponents. The Bucks’ first-half defensive issues against the Rockets further highlighted his concerns.
Antetokounmpo stressed the importance of personal accountability for the entire team, including himself. He acknowledged that fatigue can sometimes affect his performance but called for a collective mentality of giving maximum effort and getting stops on defense. The Bucks’ defensive lapses against the Rockets included difficulties navigating screens and allowing players into the paint.
Despite the defensive struggles, Antetokounmpo believes the Bucks can improve and become a better defensive team. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues now to reach their potential before the playoffs. Antetokounmpo called for improvement in all aspects of the game, from player effort to coaching strategies, stressing the need for better teamwork and execution.
With a 25-11 record, the Bucks have shown promise this season. However, they must address their defensive shortcomings to achieve their ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship. Antetokounmpo believes the team has four months to improve and is determined to get better as a collective unit.