Giannis Antetokounmpo reflects on the crucial play that sealed the Lakers' victory: "For some reason, I wasn't able to get the ball"

giannis-antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks appeared to be headed towards an easy victory versus the Los Angeles Lakers as they led 94-75 with eight minutes remaining in the game. However, the Lakers, who were playing sans LeBron James, showed grit and tied the game up at 101-all with only 2.1 seconds left.

Fortunately for the Bucks, they still had a shot at getting the victory. Coming off a timeout, Khris Middleton threw a lob pass to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who cut to the rim. However, as Giannis was maneuvering his way to the rim, he came into contact with Lakers big man Anthony Davis, which kept him from getting to the ball quickly. The “Greek Freak” missed the shot, and the Bucks ended up losing in double overtime, 128-124.

After the game, the Bucks superstar alluded to the physicality of the Lakers’ defense on that play, which kept him from cleanly receiving the inbound pass.

Careful words

In the postgame presser, Giannis was careful with his comments. Aware of fines for criticizing referees.

“I think Khris threw the ball. I went up to get the ball. I really don’t want to get fined. I went up to get the ball. For some reason, I wasn’t able to get the ball and wasn’t able to end the game,” he simply said.

Despite the loss, Giannis had a monster game, producing a triple-double of 29 points, 21 rebounds, and 11 assists. He also had two blocks and two steals. However, he also committed a team-high seven turnovers.

The defense faltered down the stretch

Milwaukee had numerous chances to win in the first and second overtime periods. In the first, the Bucks held a 117-115 lead, but Middleton fouled a driving D’Angelo Russell, who made two free throws to tie the game. In the second, Milwaukee was ahead 121-119 with 1:21 to go when Spencer Dinwiddie got fouled on his way to the basket. He, as well, made two free throws to know the count.

“We gotta trust our defense to play without fouling,” Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said. “But, give them credit. They were attacking. They were aggressive. And they’re smart. They saw our hands there, they saw us reaching, and they took advantage of it.”

Milwaukee’s latest loss to the Lakers was concerning, as it was their second straight. The defeat was made more disconcerting because LeBron James didn’t play in both contests. The Bucks must regroup quickly and address these issues if they want to continue building momentum with the postseason nearing.