THE Milwaukee Bucks is not going to seem within the NBA Christmas Day Lineup for the primary time since 2017, marking a notable absence that has sparked frustration inside the workforce. Head coach Doc Rivers and key gamers, together with Khris Middleton And Giannis Antetokounmpoexpressed their disappointment in the course of the Bucks’ media day forward of the 2024-25 season.
Khris Middleton was notably vocal concerning the perceived snub, believing the Bucks deserved a spot on the extremely anticipated vacation schedule.
“I feel we have been considerably neglected,” Middleton stated, as reported by Jamal Collier of ESPN. “We should always have had a sport on Christmas Day, I feel. However the NBA was completely different. I do not want that as additional motivation…however I am just a little upset.
Giannis Antetokounmpo sees Christmas snub as additional gasoline for Milwaukee’s upcoming season
Antetokounmpo echoed his teammate’s sentiments, including, “We have at all times been underdogs.”
Rivers, who took over as head coach halfway by way of final season, acknowledged the workforce seen the exclusion and instructed it might function further gasoline for the upcoming season.
“We’re all taking note of it. We see it, we learn it,” Rivers stated. “I do not suppose I am going to have to make use of it, it’s going to use itself, if what I imply.”
THE The Bucks are coming off a troublesome 2023-24 marketing campaignthe place accidents contributed to a primary spherical playoff elimination by the hands of the Indiana Pacers. In response to this disappointment, Milwaukee made vital modifications in the course of the offseason, together with buying and selling for Star Guard. Damien Lillard and bringing in Rivers to steer the workforce.
Lillard, who joined the Bucks in Portland offseason commerce in 2023admitted his first 12 months in Milwaukee was chaotic because of the timing of the commerce and the quick strain to regulate. Now, heading into his sophomore season, Lillard feels extra ready and settled.
“They’ll have the actual model of me this 12 months,” Lillard stated confidently, referring to his improved health and preparation for the season after a extra constant offseason routine.
Middleton is assured Bucks stay high contenders regardless of lacking Christmas Day
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Though the Bucks is probably not taking part in on Christmas, they continue to be targeted on positioning themselves among the many NBA’s elite. Middleton expressed confidence within the workforce’s possibilities, noting that Milwaukee nonetheless has a formidable roster able to contending for an Jap Convention title.
“We’re undoubtedly a part of that group,” Middleton stated. “You will have Dame and Giannis, in fact. You embrace me, Brook [Lopez]the remainder of the crew – we’re undoubtedly one of many high contenders within the East, regardless of who else they’ve [added] there or who else has received prior to now. I am positive these groups really feel the identical manner about them.
The Bucks’ absence from Christmas Day video games could sting in the mean time, however the workforce stays targeted on what actually issues: a deep postseason run and a possible return to championship kind.
With Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo main the way in which, Milwaukee goals to show it belongs on the middle of the NBA’s greatest stage, even when it will not be on Christmas Day.
