Giannis Antetokounmpo has hit back at a reporter who questioned whether the Milwaukee Bucks have failed after their play-off loss.
The Bucks were left to rue another missed opportunity after once again giving up a big lead as the Jimmy Butler-inspired Miami Heat mounted a late comeback to secure victory in overtime and wrap up a series victory in five games. The Bucks had finished top of the Eastern Conference with the best regular season record in the NBA.
Giannis and the Bucks claimed their first championship in half a century back in 2021, but have fallen short since, with their Greek star bearing the brunt for those shortcomings. The two-time MVP faced the media after their loss at the Fiserv Forum, but didn't agree with the line of questioning.
He was quizzed on their season being a failure, but hit back: "Oh my god. You asked me the same question last year, Eric. Okay, do you get a promotion every year? No. So every year your work is a failure - yes or no? Every year you work towards something, towards a goal, which is to get a promotion, to be able to take care of your family.
"You working towards a goal is not a failure. Michael Jordan played for 15 years, won six championships so the other nine years was a failure - that's what you're telling me?"
He went on to add: "Its a wrong question, there's no failure in sports. There's good days, 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."
Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer opted to task Jrue Holiday with guarding Butler, using Antetokounmpo as help, but the Greek star was frustrated he couldn't get more involved in halting the Bulls star, who eventually finished with 42 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Antetokounmpo said: "Yes. Out of respect, you gotta let the coach make that adjustment. We have our best defender on him. There are conversations with Jrue. whenever he gets tired, I can take him. He's so competitive. He plays so hard. He wants to take the challenge. But at the end of the day, I wish I could guard him more."
The Heat, who were the lowest seed heading into the post-season, will now take on the New York Knicks in the Conference semi-finals after they saw off the Cleveland Cavaliers.
