© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo criticizes the Bucks’ poor 4th quarter performance vs. the Heat
The Milwaukee Bucks have to do better when closing out games. Giannis Antetokounmpo had this to say after the Bucks saw a huge lead nearly disappear before escaping with a 122-114 win over the Miami Heat on Monday night at the Fiserv Forum.
The Bucks looked to be heading to an easy win when they took a 97-73 lead with only one quarter left to play. Milwaukee went up 25 with 10:30 left before the Heat staged a major run and moved within striking distance late in the game.
Poor endgame performance
“Once you’re up 20, you’ve got to put them away. You’ve got to put them away. We weren’t able to do that tonight. Hopefully, we can learn from this,” Antetokounmpo said.
Interestingly, the Heat made a huge comeback with all of their starters sitting on the bench.
“Our guys were changing the momentum. That sometimes can be frustrating when you’re on the other side. They just want you to go away. Our guys were doing it with great energy and doing a lot of good things. Part of me also wanted to see if they could just continue to get it over the top,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said.
Giannis to the rescue
Miami threatened, cutting the game to 109-115 with 1:22 left, but Giannis put the game away by converting a three-point play. The crucial buckets were a part of Giannis’ 33-point night, as he helped the Bucks recover from a 110-127 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night.
Giannis said the Bucks should have that killer instinct, especially when facing a team like Miami, which is known for it's never-quit attitude.
“When you have a chance to put them away, you've got to put them away -- because they're going to keep coming,” Antetokounmpo said.
