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Eric WoodyardESPN
The Bucks have won 11 of their last 12 games thanks to Saturday night’s 120-113 win over the Milwaukee San Antonio Spurs.
But the national hype has not been the same around the group this year compared to the last two seasons, when it finished in the league standings.
And for the vice president of the post, Giannis Antetokounmpo, that’s what he likes.
“We don’t play for people to talk about us,” the Bucks star said after a 26-point performance, 15 assists and 8 rebounds against the Spurs. “I like it a little bit. I just want to be alone. I’ve never liked bright lights. I never like people talking about us. It just adds pressure on me and my teammates to come in and do the what we do.
“I like being under the radar and we go in, we enjoy each other, we enjoy playing basketball and we just get the job done. But, yes, there will be times when they will talk about us, there will be times when they won’t talk about us, but personally, like I said, I like being under the radar. “
During Saturday’s win, the Bucks also saw a debut performance from PJ Tucker, who didn’t score in 13 minutes, but did grab three boards with a block. His presence felt deeper than the scoreboard.
“It’s great. You can hear it everywhere,” said Bucks goalie Jrue Holiday, who finished with 21 points and five rebounds.
“You can be heard even when he’s on the bench, but on the court it’s a lot of fun. You love a guy who communicates that way. He’s strong, very clear and distinctive and makes the game a lot easier.”
Antetokounmpo equalized his career with 15 assists. He also became the fourth player in Bucks history with 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 to score an average of 25 triple-double points and 60% shooting in a 5-game period, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
Still, feeling that “they don’t need to talk about us,” the goal is a title.
“We will continue to do what we are doing,” Antetokounmpo said. “We keep enjoying each other and we keep playing to win games and playing the right way.”