In the aftermath of the Milwaukee Bucks’ 113-110 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Shaquille O’Neal, also known as Shaq, expressed concern about the team’s performance on ‘Inside the NBA.’ Shaq criticized the Bucks for not playing at a championship level and warned that, based on their current trajectory, they might face a first-round playoff exit as he said “It’s a championship team on paper but the way they playing right now, they gonna get swept in the first round.”
"The way they're playing right now, they gonna get swept in the first round."
Shaq on Milwaukee after back-to-back losses heading into the All-Star break pic.twitter.com/EZr9NQ2EW7
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 16, 2024
Shaq highlighted the Bucks’ struggle against the Grizzlies, a team missing key players like Ja Morant, Steven Adams, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Marcus Smart. Disappointed, Shaq expressed “But forget all that, you’re supposed to blow this team out by 30… They were supposed to come out and smash this team but Chuck said it, they had trouble with the defense, no timely stops, no effort.”
Shaq warns the Bucks as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s impressive effort fails in a loss to the Grizzlies
Shaq emphasized that star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard motivate the opponents to perform beyond their limits as he stated “The Bucks have to understand because of Giannis and Dame, opponents are going to be playing way above their heads.”
Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s impressive 35-point, 12-assist performance, the Bucks failed to secure a victory. The Bucks, under coach Doc Rivers, have struggled recently, posting a 3-7 record.
Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Memphis 🤩
35 PTS
4 REB
12 AST
15/17 FG (88.2%) 🔥
5/9 FT— Bucks 110, Grizzlies 113 pic.twitter.com/TlSXEEqbfQ
— Ball Time (@BallTimee) February 16, 2024
The primary concerns revolve around Damian Lillard’s shooting struggles and defensive decline. Lillard’s efficiency has dipped, averaging 24.6 points on 42% shooting and 34% from three in 50 games. The Bucks’ defensive woes result from the swap of Jrue Holiday for Lillard, resulting in a decline rather than the expected improvement.
Damian Lillard over his last 21 games:
22.9 PPG
40.1% FG
29.1% 3P on 8.2 attempts
6.6 APG
3.8 RPGBucks are 11-10 in those 21 pic.twitter.com/Sb8U9jF9CR
— Matt (@sixringsofsteeI) February 16, 2024
The loss to the Grizzlies underscores the urgency for the Bucks to find solutions quickly before their playoff aspirations are jeopardized. Gilbert Arenas is mentioned, suggesting that firing Doc Rivers might be the best-case scenario for the team. The observations and warnings from Shaquille O add a dramatic element, emphasizing the need for the Bucks to address their shortcomings promptly if they want to fulfill their expectations this year.
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