Giannis Antetokounmpo: Bucks facing ‘make or break’ portion of season

The margin for error is shrinking fast for the Bucks, and nights like Wednesday don’t help.

As detailed by Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Milwaukee let a three-point lead slip away in the final 33.2 seconds against Washington, as CJ McCollum hit two late shots and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s final attempt rolled off the rim.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers said afterward his team didn’t deserve to win.

“We had every shot we wanted at the end,” Rivers said. “But when you don’t play right, the basketball gods don’t allow you to win. We didn’t pass the ball, and we didn’t guard.”

Antetokounmpo, still working his way back after missing eight games with a strained right calf, said his conditioning and rhythm remain a work in progress. Despite playing just 28 minutes due to a restriction, he finished with 33 points and 15 rebounds.

More concerning was his assessment of the group.

“Sometimes it’s hard when some people are trying to do the right thing and others are not,” Antetokounmpo said. “That can pull a team in the wrong direction.”

At 14-20, Milwaukee sits 11th in the East, though the play-in tournament remains within reach. The path forward won’t be easy.

After hosting Charlotte, the Bucks head west to face Sacramento, Golden State, the Lakers, and Denver.

“We’re 11th in the East,” Antetokounmpo said. “This stretch can make us or break us. I don’t want to break. I want to be made.”