Giannis Antetokounmpo says Milwaukee is playing Bucks for each other, not in the headlines

The Bucks have won 11 of their last 12 games thanks to Saturday night’s 120-113 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Milwaukee.

But the national hype hasn’t been the same around this year’s group compared to the past two seasons when it finished in the league’s rankings.

And for reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, that’s just the way he likes it.

“We don’t play for people who talk about us,” the Bucks star said after a 26-point, 15 assist and 8 rebound performance against Spurs. “I like it. I just want to be left alone. I never liked bright lights. I never liked people talking about us. It just pressures me and my teammates to come in and do what we do.

“I kinda like being under the radar and we just come in, enjoy each other, like to play basketball and we just get the job done. But yeah, there will be times when they talk about us, there is there. will be times when they won’t talk about us, but personally, like I said, I just love to be under the radar. ”

In Saturday’s win, the Bucks also saw a debut performance by PJ Tucker, who didn’t score in 13 minutes but took three boards with a block. However, his presence was felt deeper than the box score.

“He’s great. You can hear him everywhere,” said Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, who finished with 21 points and five rebounds.

“You can even hear him when he’s on the bench, but out there on the field it’s really fun. You like someone who communicates that way. He’s loud, very clear and distinctive and makes the game a lot easier.”

Antetokounmpo equaled his career high with 15 assists. He also became the fourth player in Bucks history to have at least 25 points and 15 assists in a game, joining Monta Ellis, Oscar Robertson and Guy Rodgers, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

In addition, he became the third player with an average of 25 points triple-double and 60% shooting over a period of 5 games, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

Still, he feels “they don’t need to talk about us,” the target is a title.

“We just keep doing what we do,” said Antetokounmpo. “We just keep enjoying each other and keep playing to win games and play the right way.”

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