Bucks Zone

Giannis Antetokounmpo laments Milwaukee’s yet another poor start despite win

The Greek Freak says pulling off comeback wins is physically demanding.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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On Sunday night, the Milwaukee Bucks pulled off a great escape act when they overhauled a 26-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 108-102.

While it was a commendable effort by the Bucks for not giving up despite falling to a considerable deficit, Giannis Antetokounmpo would prefer that they mend their ways of starting slow, often resulting in early double-digit deficits.

"Sometimes we just make it tough on ourselves. Don't get me wrong, I think Portland is a very good team -- young team play hard, but we just make it tough. We can't start the game like that," said Antetokoumpo, who finished with 33 points in the match.

Giannis says no to lung-busting wins

The come-from-behind hiked Milwaukee's record to 12-5.

Slow starts caused all of the Bucks' five losses this season, and although they have shown the ability to win games despite trailing early, the amount of energy they exert in come-from-behind wins is just too physically demanding.

"We should not be down 26 and then try to come and win the game. That takes a toll on your body. But at the end of the day, I'm happy we were able to win," said Antetokounmpo.

Resilience did it for the Bucks

The win versus Portland was Milwaukee's most significant comeback in over a decade since they overhauled a 27-point deficit in a 93-92 win over the Chicago Bulls on November 26th, 2012.

The victory was also the largest comeback in the NBA this season.

"Just being resilient and staying with it. Things weren't going our way. We're missing bunnies, missing layups, turning the ball over, but we had a chance to watch some things at the half, correct some things, and then go out there in the second half and give it our all," said Bobby Portis Jr., who was also instrumental in the huge win.

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Portis scored eight of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, where the Bucks outscored the Blazers 33-14 to steal the victory.

"Whether shots are going down, the one thing you can always rely on is effort and energy and going out there to play for each other. I think we did that in the second half," said Portis. 

The Milwaukee Bucks turn back the Portland Trail Blazers to complete the season’s largest comeback

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.