By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following a losing effort against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Giannis Antetokounmpo urged his teammates to avoid unnecessary stress on the court.
The Cavs prevailing, 112-100, in Fiserv Forum marked a 14th win in a row, forcing the Milwaukee Bucks to a second consecutive loss and down to 36-27 in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season.
“Sometimes it’s great to pass the ball to one another. Sometimes you got to pass the ball to the rim, in my opinion,” the Freak talked about an effort to share and constantly moving the ball from side to side, “We were just overthinking. We just got to keep on doing what we were doing.”
“Play with joy, play free, play with high spirit, and good things are going to happen,” added the 30-year-old big in a media session following the NBA Sundays contest.
The Greek superstar ended up with 30 points behind 13/24 two-pointers and 4/8 free throws. Passing Tom Chambers on Sunday, he improved to 50th in the all-time scoring list of the NBA.
Initially listed as probable to play due to a left calf strain, Giannis lasted nearly 34 minutes, putting up nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals, besides scoring 30 points.
In Smoothie King Center, the Memphis Grizzlies edged out the New Orleans Pelicans, 107-104, after ruling out Spanish Santi Aldama due to a right calf strain. On the losing end, Croatian Karlo Matkovic posted a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double alongside one block, one assist, and one steal over 26 minutes.