MILWAUKEE – Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 121-111 win over the New York Knicks in national television on Tuesday, has denied rumors that he considered a career in New York during the summer. Antetokounmpo, who had just scored 37 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in the Bucks 121-111 victory, was asked by reporters about a report from ESPN that said the Knicks are the only other team he would consider. “Who said that?” I haven’t seen that. I don’t know. “Right now, I’m here representing my team. That’s all,” Antetokounmpo stated. We beat the Knicks. [The trade rumor] Doesn’t matter. Right now, it’s about our game against Golden State. We have to try and stay focused on that match. I didn’t even read the article. Stay away from rumors, trades, and speculations. It does not bother me at all.”Antetokounmpo was phenomenal to start the year. He has scored 30 or more points in each of the Bucks games. His average is 36.3 points with 14 rebounds, seven assists, and 69.5% on his shots. He was a bit more energetic Tuesday when he helped his Bucks become 3-1. But he explained that this was due to the Knicks having swept them last season.
In a sequence during the third quarter Antetokounmpo blocked Mikal bridges and then delivered a slam at the other end. This forced the Knicks to take a timeout. He appeared to shout “This is my City!” as he made his way to the bench. Then he said something else. (He said postgame that then he added, “I like it when things are tough. I thrive in tough situations. “When you make it difficult, I thrive.” The video doesn’t seem to support that.
“Yes, it’s true, there were a lot of extras.” [to this game]. They swept over us last year. “They swept us last year,” Antetokounmpo stated. “They were better than us last season and we did not make it difficult for them.” In my opinion, it was easy. As the leader of this group, I remember. I’m not forgetful, and I set the tone from the very beginning of the shootaround. I remind everyone that the Cavaliers beat us the same way they did last year. So, I’m pleased that the team has responded well.”Antetokounmpo’s been asked about the trade rumors numerous times in the last few months, starting at media day. He acknowledged that offseason reports that said he was considering leaving Milwaukee had some truth. He made it clear during training camp that he would remain with the Bucks until the end of the season, and give his all to the team as long as he remained in Milwaukee.
“First off, I haven’t read that article. When the season starts, i try to avoid social media, focusing on my craft and team. But yes, i’ve said many times that I want to be in an environment where I can win. And now I’m there,” Antetokounmpo told ESPN on Oct. 8, a day following Shams Charania’s report. “I believe this team. I have faith in my teammates. I’m going to work hard to get this team where we want to go. We’ll take it day by day but I’m there. The extra stuff is not important.He also stated that he would change his opinion in six to seven months if he felt the team was not moving in the right direction. The trade rumors will follow him until he signs a contract extension with the Bucks or asks for a move.
It’s obvious that his performance hasn’t been affected by the whole saga.
I don’t want to waste time [to be distracted]. I will not lie to anyone. I have 4 kids. I have a 7-month old baby, a 2-year-old child, a 4-year-old child, and i have 4-5-year-old. I’m sorry, but I have no time to read. [rumors]. Even if my life allowed me to, I couldn’t,” Antetokounmpo explained Tuesday. “I’m a father of four, I’m a musician who needs to improve my skills, and I lead a team. I also have other things.” I’ve got to go to the church, I have a wife, a mother, brothers. Man, I just don’t have the time. So I am being honest. “I just love playing basketball, and I always try to speak up on the court.”
2025-10-29 05:50:56
