Antetokounmpo’s Shooting Slump Continues V Knicks

Giannis Antetokounmpo has made great strides in his game in his third season in the NBA, but even the Greek Freak is not immune from having the occasional shooting slump. Antetokounmpo is just 5-17 from the field in his last two games, including 3-9 (8 points) in the Bucks’ 100-88 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night.

The Bucks’ record dropped to 15-24 with the loss on Sunday.

“I’ve just got to stick with it and keep playing through the struggle,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’ve got great teammates who hold me accountable and are talking to me.

“But it’s not about me. It’s about the team. If I play better, I help the team. As a team we’re struggling right now. We’ve got to give more effort.”

Antetokounmpo struggled to find his rhythm during the loss in a game also featuring another versatile big man, Kristaps Porzingis. Antetokounmpo was kept in check for most of the first half (0-6 overall), but made an impact later in the game. He didn’t connect on any of his four three-point attempts, but did finish with 10 rebounds and 5 assists in his 36 minutes on-court.

After the game, Bucks’ interim head coach Joe Prunty didn’t criticize his young charge, saying that the onus was on the whole team to function as a complete unit.

“He has to keep working at it,” Prunty said. “He’s always at his best when he’s attacking, when he’s aggressive.

“I’m not going to sit here and hound him. We don’t want guys overthinking things. The biggest thing, play to your strengths, for every one of us.

“Not just Giannis, your success comes from playing as a unit, getting to the spots on the floor where you are most successful. We look to attack as much as possible. All five guys on the floor have to help one another.”

Feature image via: AP Photo/Seth Wenig