© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo says they all must lock in at the start of games
The NBA is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it league. With games played at an intense pace, every second counts. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo knows this all too well and called attention to its importance after his team’s 129-94 loss to the Sacramento Kings in their previous game. In that match, the Bucks did not look focused or engaged and paid dearly for it, falling behind by double-figures midway through the first before eventually getting blown out by 35 points.
Match the opponent’s energy
Milwaukee had a gameplan against the Kings, a team that played at a frenetic pace on both ends. However, it appeared that gameplan was left in the locker room as the Bucks played disjointed basketball reminiscent of their play early in the season. More than anything, Giannis noticed the team’s lack of energy and urgency, which can’t happen if they want to see their dream of winning another NBA title come true.
“We just gotta match their energy, find the pace,” Giannis said.
“Especially early in the game, if you’re not locked in and not able to match the same energy as them, you’re going to have problems. I think starting the game it sets the tone for the rest of the game.”
Have to lock in
The Bucks had all the information they needed to defend the Kings and exploit their weaknesses. However, Milwaukee’s lack of focus and intensity led to a slow start, allowing the Kings to gain an early lead. From that point on, the Bucks went on a futile chase as the Kings nabbed the wire-to-wire victory.
“You know that it’s going to be a track meet. You know they’re going to play fast. You know they’re going to shoot the ball with 17 seconds on the clock,” Giannis emphasized.
“If you’re not locked in from the first second, you’re going to have problems. We weren’t locked in.”
