Giannis Antetokounmpo Calls for Unity Amid Milwaukee Bucks’ Brutal Slump: ‘Gotta Stick Together’

Jan 8, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Utah Jazz forward Kelly Olynyk (41) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) collide while reaching for the ball in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks have lost four times in January after Monday night’s devastating defeat to the Utah Jazz. That this squad has only played five games since January shows how badly they began the year.

Even worse, the Jazz thrashed Milwaukee at the Fiserv Forum on Monday. They were down by 33 points in the first half and lost 132-116 against the visiting club.

Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Calls for Unity

Jan 8, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks for a shot against Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY SportsBucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was disappointed by his team’s performance versus Utah. The former back-to-back MVP said after the game that the home fans had every right to boo the squad following their dismal performance.Giannis inspired his squad despite the loss. Antetokounmpo says the Bucks should unite now:“We gotta stick together,” he told Brew Hoop’s Gabe Stoltz. “We must unite. End of story. That’s about it. It won’t work to do things your way. We’ve been here before. This is alright because, as I stated, hardship brings out your best.”Dec 25, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after being called for a foul during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY SportsAntetokounmpo then stated his standards for his squad. Overall, the Bucks have plenty of time this season to straighten things out. We’re not even halfway through the campaign.Giannis wants his squad to concentrate on the small things now:“But again, at the end of the day, we have to get better,” Giannis said. We must focus on the small details, such as providing assistance, making passes, and grabbing оffensive rebounds, as they all matter. Add all those minor elements and you have a winning game. When you have a winning team.”Jan 8, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drive for the basket against Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY SportsThe Bucks must recover swiftly from this setback before facing the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. This is the right time for Giannis and Co. to turn things around.