Giannis points to chemistry, selfish play for Bucks' losses - ESPN

MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo says chemistry issues might be contributing to the Milwaukee Bucks' recent penchant for lopsided losses.

The Bucks fell 122-102 on Wednesday to an Oklahoma City Thunder team that was missing a handful of rotation players because of injuries. The Bucks have dropped four of their past five games. Each of their past three losses was decided by at least 18 points.

Antetokounmpo was asked after the game against Oklahoma City whether he sees any common threads among the blowout defeats.

«We're not playing hard,» Antetokounmpo said. «We aren't doing the right thing. We're not playing to win. We're not playing together. Our chemistry's not there. Guys are being selfish, trying to look for their own shots instead of looking for the right shot for the team. Guys trying to do it on their own.

»At times, I feel like when we're down 10, down 15, down 20, we try to make it up in one play, and it's not going to work."

Milwaukee's string of nine straight playoff appearances is in jeopardy midway through the season, with the Bucks (18-25) 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. They haven't won more than two games in a row at any point this season.

Now they're going to have to get accustomed to playing without Kevin Porter Jr., who ranks second on the team in points per game (16.8) and first in assists per game (7.4). Porter has an oblique strain that leaves his return date uncertain.

«He's not going to play anytime soon, I can tell you that, but we don't know how long he'll be out,» Bucks coach Doc Rivers said.

One thing that could help the Bucks is getting the ball in Antetokounmpo's hands more often. The two-time MVP has 13 field goal attempts or fewer in his past four games, including 11 against