Bucks Zone

Weeklong break will do Milwaukee Bucks' playoff campaign well, says Giannis

Giannis shares why the week off was necessary and how it will benefit their playoff chances.
Matthew Dugandzic|
© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

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Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo knows all too well the physical and mental toll the NBA Playoffs can take on teams. Couple that with a long regular season, and it is no surprise that some players may be running on fumes when the stakes are at their highest. Fortunately for Giannis and the Bucks, they handled their business in the regular season, as they finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference, affording them some time to rest and prepare while they wait for their opponent in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Giannis says he's using this time not only to recuperate, but also to get himself in a proper headspace to handle the rigors of the battles to come.

Getting ready

The Greek Freak dealt with several injuries this season, forcing him to play in just 63 games. With the top seed already secured, he also missed the last three games of the regular season as part of the team's strategy to give his body more time to rest. Giannis says he's taking advantage of these moments of downtime to ensure he's ready for the playoffs, both mentally and physically.

"Try to get as ready as I can. Obviously, it's going to be two long months, 28 games ahead of you, but at the end of the day, you gotta—as much as you can, enjoy the game. Each game, take it a game at a time and see how it goes," said the two-time MVP.

Taking advantage of the days off

Truth be told, no NBA player is playing at 100% right now. It's just the reality of the long NBA season and the physical toll it takes on players' bodies. Giannis, however, is taking full advantage of the days off by doing what's necessary—nothing more, nothing less.

"There's going to be days where you leave the court a little bit banged up, but it is what it is. You get to go back home, rest, get some treatment, and get ready for the next one. But now that we have a few days where we're able to take care of our bodies, sleep, eat some good food, play with our kids, watch some Netflix, do what we gotta do," said Giannis.

Giannis added that the downtime bodes well not just for him, but for the rest of his teammates.

"Getting some downtime, it's always good for mentally and physically, and hopefully can put me and my teammates in a good place and be ready for whenever we play and whoever we play."

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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.