Bucks Zone

Bobby Portis Jr. says the Bucks have to honor getting the other team’s best in every game

Bobby speaks on how important it is for the Bucks that they give their opponents their due respect in every game.

Jonas Panerio

© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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A large bullseye will always be on your back when you’re a team with the luxury of fielding two members of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. Opposing teams—especially those that don’t get the spotlight often—will most likely give it their all to try and topple a league giant. Veteran forward Bobby Portis Jr. is wary of this and implored the Milwaukee Bucks to honor that challenge and bring their top-level of play in every game.

Nothing new

The Bucks have had a target on their backs for a while now. A league powerhouse for several years now, the spotlight has shone even brighter on Milwaukee after they acquired seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard in the offseason. This has given teams extra incentive to give their all and come out fighting against the Bucks.

“Nah, that’s not new,” Portis said when asked about teams wanting to take the Bucks down a peg.

“For sure, trying to make a name. When I was younger, playing the Warriors, Golden State, Miami Heat – I was the younger player that got up for those games. I definitely understand how it is,” Portis added.

Have to honor it

Knowing that teams would be extra motivated going up against them, Portis said the best way to deal with this is to get up for the challenge and “honor it.” The Portland Trail Blazers were sure amped to face off against Lillard and his new team on Sunday night and nearly pulled it off as they built a massive 81-55 lead before the Bucks rallied late to take a 108-102 win.

“We honor it. It makes us better on a daily basis. Knowing, when you get up in the morning to go shoot around, we know how those teams are going to play us. This league is so good that the way to become a better player on a daily basis is knowing that nothing that happened in Friday’s game against the Wizards matters on Sunday. It’s a new game,” Portis shared.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO