Giannis Antetokounmpo after loss to Knicks: “We didn’t compete at all”

NEW YORK (AP) – Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is frustrated. He wants his team to play more intensely.

The two-time Kia MVP objected to Milwaukee’s effort after it lost 116-94 against the New York Knicks on Friday evening and is 2-7 this season.

“If we come to New York and play the way we play, teams won’t just give us games,” Antetokounmpo said. “The teams won’t feel guilty. We have to adopt the mentality that we have to fight for every possession, one possession at a time.

“We have to do a better job in the competition. We didn’t compete at all.”

The Bucks trailed by as many as 30 points in their seventh loss in their last eight games. Antetokounmpo had 24 points and 12 rebounds. Damian Lillard scored 19 points, but aside from the team’s two biggest stars, there wasn’t much offense.

“If you don’t go out and compete, you’re not going to win the game,” Antetokounmpo said. “Sometimes you compete hard and you don’t win the game. But at least give yourself a chance.”

Milwaukee surrendered four 3-pointers to the Knicks’ 7-footer Karl-Anthony Towns in the first half, including New York’s first two baskets of the game. The Bucks allowed layups and dunks in transition – New York had a 7-1 advantage in steals and outscored Milwaukee 21-8 in transition. The Knicks also had a 48-41 rebounding advantage.

“I think everyone is frustrated,” Lillard said. “When you find yourself in a situation like we were in – losing games and trying to find yourself and your identity – I think everyone is frustrated. You don’t want the boys here to be happy.

“We need to understand what we are doing and what success looks like, and that starts with playing hard and competing.”

Antetokounmpo was particularly frustrated because the Bucks had been playing better recently. The Bucks lost two close games to the undefeated Cavaliers – including a two-point loss in Cleveland on Monday when Antetokounmpo didn’t take off – then posted a 23-point win over Utah on Thursday night.

However, according to the Bucks star, Friday was a no-show.

“Have we played the last game? Yes. Did we attend the previous two games, Cavs and Cavs? Yes. Did we compete today? No,” Antetokounmpo said. “We played great last night. When we get to New York, we’ll have lost by (22).”

Under coach Doc Rivers, the Bucks fell to 19-26 in the regular season. But Antetokounmpo expressed his confidence in his ailing coach.

“The doctor is doing his best,” Antetokounmpo said. “He’s trying to figure out the rotation. … I commend him for that. At the end of the day, the guys who play have to go out and compete. He can’t keep up for us from the sidelines.”

Milwaukee has only played three home games so far this season. But seven of the next eight games are at Fiserv Forum, including Sunday afternoon’s game against the NBA champion Boston Celtics.

“We have Boston in two days,” Antetokounmpo said. “If we don’t compete, we’ll lose by 30%.”