Knicks unable to stop onslaught by Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, March 8, 2017, in Milwaukee. Credit: AP / Aaron Gash
MILWAUKEE — Carmelo Antony says he wants to play six more seasons, but there are times when he plays like he can’t wait for this one to end.
Anthony scored just 16 points Wednesday night as the Milwaukee Bucks rolled over the Knicks, 104-93, at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. It was Anthony’s fourth straight outing below 20 points, causing one reporter after the game to question whether he was just “fed up” with the whole season.
“I mean, fed-up, I don’t think those are kind of the right words. But I mean, when you win a game, lose a game, win a game, lose a game. You’re going up, down, up, down. You kind of want to get on a consistent path and find some type of consistency,” he said. “The losing, yeah, you get fed up. I’m not fed up. But you start thinking about it. It can start to weigh on you if you allow it to.”
The loss all but mathematically dropped the Knicks out of the playoff picture. With 17 games remaining, the Knicks our 5 ½ games behind the Pistons and Bulls, who have the final two playoff spots.
The Knicks had no answer for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored 32 points with 13 rebounds, seven assists and four steals. The Greek Freak scored 22 of his points in the second half as the Knicks saw a 12-point third quarter lead disappear. Khris Middleton added 18 for the Bucks and Greg Monroe had 17.
“Giannis is pretty unique,” Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said.
Anthony, who sat out Monday’s win against Orlando with a sore knee, was held to six points on 2-for-4 shooting in the second half as the Bucks constantly double teams him.
Derrick Rose, who was on the bench the entire fourth quarter in the Knicks win over Orlando Monday, led the Knicks with 26 points on 13 of 16 shooting. Rose played 40 minutes and did not attempt a three-point shot.
All five Knicks starter scored in double figures but Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis combined for only 29 points on 11-for-28 shooting. Willy Hernangomez finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out in 28 minutes. Courtney Lee added 12 points.
Anthony said when he looks around locker room, he cannot figure out why the team is struggling considering the level of talent they have.
“Yeah, we talk. Guys discuss that a lot,” he said. “We talk about that among ourselves. Kind of what is it? What’s happening? Especially with the talent that we have in this locker room. We still can’t figure out exactly kind of what it is. It’s hard to pinpoint it.”
Anthony has two more years remaining on his contract with the Knicks, who once again appear to be heading into rebuilding mode this offseason. Anthony has a no-trade clause in his contract and the team had tried but failed to work out a deal to trade him to a team he would approve of before the deadline.
Anthony, who turn 33 in May, said Wednesday morning that he wants to play 20 seasons.
“I would love to get 20 in. I would love — six, seven — I could do 20,” said Anthony who is in his 14th season and turns 33 this May. “I could do 20. I think I do a great job of taking care of my body. I’m going to continue doing that. Lord willing, no injuries, no severe injuries, I could see myself going for 20.”
He certainly seems ready for season No. 14 to end.
Barbara Barker is an award-winning columnist and features writer in the sports department at Newsday. She has covered sports in New York for more than 20 years.
