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Eric WoodyardESPN
The Bucks have won 11 of their last 12 games thanks to Saturday night’s 120-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Milwaukee.
But the national hype was not the same in this year’s group compared to the last two seasons, when it finished in the top of the league standings.
And for Mr. MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, that’s how he likes it.
“We don’t play for people to talk about us,” the Bucks star said after a 26-point performance, 15 assists, 8 rebounds against Spurs. “I kind of like it. I just want to be alone. I’ve never liked bright lights. I’ve never liked people talking about us. It just puts pressure on me and my teammates to come in and do what we do. .
“I like to be under the radar and we go in, we enjoy each other, we enjoy playing basketball and we just do our job. But, yes, there will be times when they will talk about us, there will be times when they will not talk about us, but personally, as I said, I just like to be under the radar. “
During Saturday’s victory, Bucks also saw a debut performance by PJ Tucker, who did not score in 13 minutes, but took three blocks with a block. His presence was felt deeper than the boxing score, though.
“It’s great. You can hear it everywhere,” said Bucks goalkeeper Jrue Holiday, who finished with 21 points and five rebounds.
“You can hear him even when he’s on the bench, but there on the field it’s a lot of fun. You love a guy who communicates that way. He’s loud, very clear and distinctive and makes the game a lot easier.”
Antetokounmpo equalized with 15 assists. He also became the fourth player in Bucks’ history with at least 25 points and 15 assists in a game, joining Monta Ellis, Oscar Robertson and Guy Rodgers for ESPN Stats & Information research.
In addition, he became the third player to score an average of 25 triple-double points and 60% shots over 5 games, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
However, he feels that “they don’t need to talk about us”, the goal is a title.
“We will continue to do what we do,” Antetokounmpo said. “We enjoy each other and continue to play to win games and play the right way.”