The Milwaukee Bucks are fighting for a home court advantage but the fight will be a hard one, especially with Damian Lillard being absent from time to time. His teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo is not worried.
In fact, he does not think not having a home court advantage is a disadvantage based on his assessment of the team’s capability.
He also insisted that he cares more about the health of his teammate rather than their placing by the end of the regular season.
“The No. 1 thing is for Dame to be healthy,” Antetokounmpo said via The Athletic.
“I think when we are a healthy team, we are a totally different team. We are a team to be scared of, but there’s no thought in my head of, “Oh, Dame’s gotta get back quick.” I don’t care if we lose five in a row. I really believe in our abilities. I believe that no matter where we end up in the East, we have a chance to compete while we’re healthy.”
Both Antetokounmpo and Lillard were out in the Bucks’ win against the Washington Wizards.
The Greek Freak is listed as questionable in their visit to the Chicago Bulls but Lillard is confirmed out, making it his third straight game missed.
Giannis Antetokounmpo praises third-year guard for stepping up for Dame
The Bucks lost heavily to the Cleveland Cavaliers on their first game since their NBA Cup finals win. Everyone except Giannis played without a sense of urgency.
The next one against the Wizards was a total opposite. It was more impressive, too, since Antetokounmpo did not play.
The Greek Freak has faith in his teammates. He believes they have the talent.
Bobby Portis played big time but the one player that also stepped up in Dame’s absence is Ryan Rollins who even received praises from his coach Doc Rivers.
Antetokounmpo is just as impressed.
“I think we have great guys that can step up in Ryan (Rollins), (Delon Wright), guys that can come in and handle the ball,” he said.
“We definitely need somebody that can handle the ball and make plays and put us in position. Khris is definitely going to help, but he’s not a point guard. At times, he’s going to get the ball and make plays and call sets.”
It was Rollins’ first game as a starter this season, his 13th game overall.
He scored 14 points in the game as the main point guard. He is averaging 4 points before Sunday night.
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