MILWAUKEE – Giannis Antetokounmpo pleaded ignorance about his reported desire to join the Knicks, but he was happy to point out the outcome of Tuesday’s game.
“We beat the Knicks,” he said.
Antetokounmpo didn’t provide much clarity on ESPN stating he would favor the Knicks as a trade destination, claiming he was unaware of the report when questioned by The Post.
It was an unbelievable response — the story made national news — but that was Antetokounmpo’s position.
“I don’t remember that,” Antetokounmpo said. “Right now, I’m here representing my team, and that’s it. We beat the Knicks. So it doesn’t matter.”
“What matters right now is that we have a game in two days against Golden State, trying to stay in and get two in a row. But I didn’t read that article. I’m trying to stay away from all those rumors, speculation and trades. It doesn’t matter to me. I’m trying to involve myself and I’m trying to help my team win games.”
No denial. No confirmation. More of a deflection.
And it happened on a night when Antetokounmpo was probably feeling better about his situation in Milwaukee, moments after the Bucks overwhelmed the Knicks with athleticism in the second half of a 121-111 victory.
“Yes, it was because it was a lot extra (playing against the Knicks),” “Yes, it was a lot extra [motivation playing against the Knicks]Antetokounmpo said. “They swept us last year. They were much better than us last year. We didn’t make it difficult for them. It was very easy in my opinion. As the leader of this team, I remember that. I don’t forget things. I tried, from the beginning of shootaround, to set the tone for the team and remind them that they beat us last year, same with the Cavs. I think the team responded in the best way. So I’m happy.”
Antetokounmpo dominated the Knicks with 37 points on 16-of-22 shooting in just 33 minutes.
At one point in the third quarter, Antetokounmpo completed a block and a dunk by shouting, “This is my city” and, “I love it when it’s hard, I thrive when it’s hard.”
For those hoping Antetokounmpo forces a trade to the Knicks, it wasn’t a good night.
“Leaving [Sunday’s loss]My mentality was, okay, to take the next step and compete with the best teams in the NBA, we can’t lose two in a row. We’re playing the Knicks and we know they’re going to come out, they’re going to shoot threes, they’re going to be aggressive getting to the paint and making shots for themselves.
“We knew it was going to be a challenge and we were ready to take on that challenge and come here and try to win the game. …To be one of the top teams in the East, we have to beat those teams. Last year the Knicks not only beat us, they really beat us. And this year is completely different.”
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