Giannis Antetokounmpo loves rubbing shoulders with Hawks toughness

After a remarkable flawless start to their season, the Bucks drank the cup in Atlanta on Monday night. The fault in a second half during which the Hawks raised their level of play on both sides of the floor to stifle their opponent, all despite the absence of Trae Young, the team’s leading scorer and passer.

For Giannis Antetokounmpothe victory of the troops of Nate McMillan is mainly explained by the energy that the Hawks have put in to reverse the course of the meeting that the Bucks still held in hand at the time of the rest.

“They came back being more aggressive. They were shooting, rebounding, running and getting easy baskets, defending… They just had more energy, and I think we weren’t able to match that energy. That’s why they took the lead, stayed ahead and won the game.”, did he recognize after the meeting.

A model of toughness and aggressiveness

The “Greek Freak” also had a special note for his one-night bodyguards, John Collins, Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu, who as a bonus allowed themselves the luxury of giving him two tap dances on the head, sign of this “fear of nothing” side which reigns among the interiors of the Hawks and which the star of the Bucks seems to appreciate.

“I always like to play against people who like to defend and take it to heart. Onyeka Okongwu is one of them. Clint Capela is another, and so is John Collins. I always like to play against people who like a challenge. It’s something you can feel. I’ve played against people who you know don’t take it too seriously, they have fear in their minds and you can see it in their eyes, feel it from the first action. But I’ve played against the Hawks many times, and I don’t feel that and I like that. I’m aware that people will try to make my job difficult, and that’s fine with me. I like this “, he added.

As for the Cavaliers, beaten Monday evening by the Clippers after having aligned eight successes in a row, this setback will help the Bucks, especially since Giannis kept repeating that the team is far from its best level.

While waiting for the reunion between the two teams, next Monday, in Milwaukee this time, it was well worth a tribute from the “Greek Freak”.

“I don’t want it to be easy. I want it to be a challenge and every time I play against these guys it’s always a challenge. I respect that. They’ve improved since day one, all three of them. And it’s always a battle when you play against Atlanta. So I love playing against Atlanta.