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The Miami Heat struck first in their second-round matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, securing a 115-104 victory Monday night. Miami Heat power forward Jimmy Butler was a man on a mission, racking up a career high in the playoffs of 40 points and also contributed four rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block in the game. Although Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo struggled to get going, he finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. However, the 25-year-old faced backlash from current and former NBA stars following his response to a reporter’s question after Game 1.
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Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo on whether he asked to trade Jimmy Butler from the Heat during the late-game blast: “To mark him? No, I did not do it. Why would you ask that? I will do what the coach wants me to do ”. pic.twitter.com/IFpR5pk1s1
– Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) September 1, 2020
NBA Playoffs: Giannis Antetokounmpo upset with a journalist’s question about defending Jimmy Butler
After Game 1 of Bucks vs Heat, Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked if he could have done a better job of protecting Jimmy Butler towards the end of the game. However, the four-time NBA All-Star seemed upset and quite surprised by the tone of the question and, in turn, responded to the reporter, “Why do you ask that?” Antetokounmpo was then asked if scoring would be something he would work on in the future, but the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) was quick to respond and said, “No, I’ll do whatever the coach wants me to do.” Antetokounmpo A strange reaction during The interview led to various former and current NBA stars trolling the Bucks star on social media.
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Two-time NBA champion Isiah Thomas took to Twitter and wrote, “As a DPOY and a competitor, it’s your job to take on that role and defend.” Another NBA legend in the form of Richard Jefferson also took the opportunity to poke fun at Antetokounmpo. . Former Cavaliers star Channing Fyre added that Giannis Antetokounmpo had to focus on defending his team against a fit Jimmy Butler.
Rich, I’ve been asking this all night, why if you’re the best player on the court and the defensive player of the year you wouldn’t want to mark the guy who does BbQ to the rest of your team? https://t.co/4IBRTP6H6v
– Channing Frye (@channingfrye) September 1, 2020
As a competitor and DPOY, it is your job to accept that task. I know Marcus is smart, Avery Bradley, Kawhi would have been like FOH. I am protecting it. https://t.co/kEHStlPiJU
– Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) September 1, 2020
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Bucks vs Heat highlights
Although Jimmy Butler made the headlines Monday night, he was well supported by Goran Dragic, who added 27 points, and Bam Adebayo who had 12 points, 17 rebounds and six assists. Khris Middleton led the way for the Bucks with 28 points, while Brook Lopez added 24 as the duo were in stellar form during the first half. Giannis Antetokounmpo was limited to just three points in the fourth quarter.
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Image Credits – AP
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