Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks Break Unpleasant Record in the 2023 NBA Play-Offs

Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks Break Unpleasant Record in the 2023 NBA Play-Offs

By Gbenga Gboyega

The Milwaukee Bucks NBA team, where Nigerian-Greek basketballer Giannis Antetokounmpo plays, set a joint-unpleasant record following their elimination in the playoffs at the hands of the Miami Heat. 

The team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, lost 126-128 to Miami in Game 5, summing up a 4-1 playoff scoreline at the detriment of Giannis' team, who won only once in Game 2 of the series. 

The unpleasant record stems from over a decade ago, in 2012 when the Philadelphia 76ers (eighth seed) knocked out the Chicago Bulls (top seed). This was the last time an eighth seed of a conference will manage to eliminate the top seed of the same in the playoffs. 

The Bucks finished top of the NBA's Eastern Conference with a 58-24 record, while the Heats finished 7th with a 44-38 score, pitting the Bucks as favorites going into the series. 

The Bucks, who owned the NBA's best record during the regular season, lost to Miami Heat in a best-of-seven series which has now happened only for the sixth time ever Bsnsports.com.ng can report.

According to game stats curated by ESPN, the Milwaukee Bucks led by 16 points entering the fourth quarter in Game 5, but Miami turned the tide in overtime for the largest fourth-quarter comeback in a series-clinching win. 

Giannis recorded 38 points and 20 rebounds (14 of 27 shooting, 10 of 23 from the line) for the Bucks, who squandered a +16 lead in the fourth quarter and ended up losing 128-126 in overtime.

While speaking to the media in the post-match conference on Wednesday night, Antetokounmpo rebuffed questions that indicated a failed season for the Bucks following the loss. 

"Okay. Do you get a promotion every year? On your job, no right? So, every year your work is a failure? Yes or no? No. Every year you work, you work towards something. Towards a goal, right?

"Which is to get a promotion, to be able to take care of your family. It's not a failure, it's steps to success. Michael Jordan played 15 years, won six championships, the other nine years, were they a failure?"

"It's a wrong question; there's no failure in sports. There are good and bad days. Some days you're able to be successful, some days you're not. Some days it's your turn, some days it's not your turn. 

"And that's what sports is about. You don't always win. Sometimes other people win. And this year somebody else is going to win, simple as that."

The Milwaukee Bucks may have been knocked out this season, but with the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and the Lopez brothers, to mention but a few others in their ranks, next season may bring a better run for the two-time NBA champions.