That Giannis Antetokounmpo like it or not, the elimination of the Bucks is in the first round is a failure. In his words and demonstration, the Bucks had a goal (to win the title) and they failed. Moreover, to listen to him, it is precisely this obsession to recover their title lost in 2022 which caused the loss of the Bucks. Clearly, Milwaukee players underestimated the Heat.
“I feel like they were playing to beat us and we were playing to win the title, which I don’t understand”, said Giannis after elimination. “To be frank, we saw each other a little too handsome. In the end, it’s basketball. We must congratulate them, they kicked our ass.
The title was too much in the heads
Clearly pushed by Jimmy Butler on this miracle basket to snatch the extension, Pat Connaughton shares the same analysis: “Our concentration wasn’t good enough… I know that… I don’t know why… We can’t win the title until we win the first round. It’s frustrating, it’s disappointing… Adjectives abound. I could also utter a few insults…”
Arrived during the season, and NBA finalist in 2020 and 2021 with the Heat first, then precisely against the Bucks, Jae Crowder confirms that the franchise only had the title in mind. “I think we had the opportunity to do better than that… We weren’t up to it. It is obvious that we had the head title and we were only talking about that. So we weren’t up to it. We failed. I don’t know what else I can tell you”.
Only one win…
What was the mood in the locker room? “Everyone is in shock” recognizes Giannis. “There are a lot of winners in it. Lots of players who have played in big teams. Lots of top players.
Personally, at what level does he place this elimination? “Personally, I think these are the worst playoffs of my career… You know, like all teams, we have a number in mind, that of winning 16 matches to be champions. And there are 15 left! I do not know, if in my career, I have already been so far from the mark. It’s hard to take.”
