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Giannis: Biggest threat to Bucks reaching NBA Finals? Ourselves

Giannis Antetokounmpo said the Milwaukee Bucks are their own biggest threat to reaching the NBA Finals after clinching the Eastern Conference top seed.

By Sacha Pisani
Giannis

Orlando, August 7: Giannis Antetokounmpo said the Milwaukee Bucks are their own biggest threat to reaching the NBA Finals after clinching the Eastern Conference top seed.

The Bucks overturned a 23-point deficit to overcome the Miami Heat 130-116 at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, where Antetokounmpo put up 33 points and 12 rebounds on Thursday (August 6).

Milwaukee had lost back-to-back games and were staring at another defeat before rallying past Eastern Conference rivals the Heat – outscoring Miami 74-43 in the second half.

Asked about the Bucks' biggest threat in the east as they eye their first Finals appearance since 1974 and first championship since 1971, reigning MVP Antetokounmpo said: "I think the biggest challenge for us is ourselves.

"How are we going to play? How hard are we going to play? Are we going to play for one another? Are we going to defend hard? Are we going to be able to rebound the ball? Are we going to be able to make the extra effort? Are we going to dive on the floor?

"It's all about us. It's all about us."

The Bucks improved to 55-14 for the season, ahead of defending champions the Toronto Raptors (49-18), Boston Celtics (45-23), Heat (43-26), Indiana Pacers (42-27) and Philadelphia 76ers (41-27) in the east.

With the top seed comes home-court advantage, though that will look different inside the Orlando bubble amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"Well, I don't think you'd ever guess to be coaching in an NBA game on August 6," Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said.

"So, pretty unique and rare times to win a game and more importantly to have the best record in the Eastern Conference is a tribute to our players and what they've done every night and how they've brought it. I'm very proud of them."

Story first published: Friday, August 7, 2020, 8:13 [IST]
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