The NBA playoffs are nearly upon us, and tensions are high. Who will be the top seed? Who’s going into the playing tournament? We shall get the answers to these questions in the 9 or so games left in the regular season. But someone who is unbothered by all this is the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. In fact, the former MVP sent out a warning to the teams that might face him in the playoffs. But could that backfire given the situation at Milwaukee right now?
Nevertheless, as things stand, the Milwaukee Bucks are the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference. They’re avoiding the play-in tournament by the skin of their teeth. And most players in the Greek Freak’s position would be aiming for a higher placement to avoid getting some of the tougher matchups early on in the East. But Giannis just wants to play ball.
That’s because he knows that regardless of who you go up against, winning the game is what really matters. “We were the number one seed in the East, and we’ve lost from Miami that was the number eight seed. And they went all the way to the Finals. Like, at the end of the day, all you’ve got to think about, that we have the regular season, nine games left, and then we have two months to change our lives. That’s pretty much it. You’ve got to lock in two months and stay healthy and go out there and compete. That’s all you’ve got to think about,” said the Bucks’ scoring leader.
Feb 2, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) runs down the court after dunking the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Giannis’ words reveal the mindset he has heading into the final stretch of the regular season. It’s not about finishing as the top-seed for him, it’s about getting the Ws when it counts for Giannis. And what Giannis said should put the other teams that may face the Bucks in the postseason on notice. That’s because it doesn’t matter if you’re the top-seeded Cavaliers or the reigning champions in the Celtics, the Greek Freak is coming for your teams all the same.
But that’s not all. Giannis also let us in on how the Bucks are preparing to wrap up the regular season and enter the postseason amid the issues that plague them.
Giannis Antetokounmpo reveals the team’s preparations amid personnel issues for the Bucks
You see, the Milwaukee Bucks aren’t in the best position heading into the postseason. They were already a key player short when Bobby Portis Jr. was punished for an accidental ingestion of Tramadol. His sentence? Bobby was made to sit out for 25 games. And as the Bucks prepared for his imminent return, they were struck with another huge blow!
A blood clot, the same problem Victor Wembanyama recently encountered, ruled out the Bucks’ point guard, Damian Lillard. With this setback, the Bucks are now seriously compromised, even if Bobby Portis is set to return soon. But they still trudge on, looking to be competitive in the postseason. And Giannis has revealed how the team is dealing with these issues.
Feb 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots against Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
“You’ve got to watch a lot of films. Build good habits,” said the Greek Freak. “Obviously the playoffs is 18 days away, whatever, 20 days away. When we get there, we’re going to figure it out. But right now you’ve got to worry about how can we play Atlanta in the next game. Go out there, compete, build good habits, and hopefully 20 days from now when we get to the playoffs, we’re ready to compete,” finished Giannis.
And this seems to mirror Giannis’ earlier statements about his mindset ahead of the playoffs. The Bucks are doing everything in their power to win their remaining regular-season games. And in doing so, they’re hoping it keeps them sharp for the upcoming postseason. Not a bad strategy from the Bucks.
Will it work? Only time will tell. But till then, we’ll keep you updated on everything that goes on with Giannis Antetokounmpo and his team.
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