The Cavaliers have made their season look flawless so far. And that most wins — 53 — (both the conferences combined) with just 10 losses so far makes them look even more dangerous. Well, almost. They’ve had their share of defeats, but none have come at the hands of the Bucks. They’re a perfect 3-0 against them in the regular season. And now, it’s time to hammer the final nail in the coffin with the fourth-game win tonight. But Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t ready to hand this one over that easily. Then again, how will the Bucks take on the fiery Cleveland side? Well, the Greek Freak has a strong message that could turn the tide for Milwaukee. But how strong is the will that can crush the 1st seed team of the East?

After the narrow 109-111 loss to the Magic, reporters followed Giannis to the locker room for a quick Q&A. When asked how he plans to make the Cavs uncomfortable in their next matchup, the 2x MVP replied, “Got to be more physical. Obviously, they’re one of the best teams in the NBA. We know what we got to face, they great defensively and move the ball offensively. You got to have some individual pride.”

Giannis also pointed out that playing on consecutive nights could be tough for the Bucks, especially with the challenge of facing the league’s strongest team this season. They know what’s at stake, but they need to bounce back. “We’re in back-to-back, but that doesn’t matter. We lost the game tonight. We got to come in with a lot of focus, be like and try to get the win tomorrow,” he added.

The Cavs are on a roll with 13 straight wins. Phew! That’ll be a tough streak for the Bucks to break after Saturday’s loss. But let’s not forget, Milwaukee’s fate could’ve been different, though. They might’ve hit five in a row if Damian Lillard hadn’t missed that clutch shot. Even though the loss stings, Giannis Antetokounmpo has made peace with it.

Giannis Antetokounmpo shares true emotion following Damian Lillard’s failure in magic loss

The Bucks were down 111-109 in the final seconds when Damian Lillard received the ball. At least a two-point shot could’ve sent the game to overtime. But Dame Time, being Dame Time, did what any player of his caliber would do. He took a deep three. Unfortunately, his 25-foot shot missed the target. What could’ve been a game-winner turned into a gut-wrenching loss?

Naturally, the question turned to Giannis Antetokounmpo about his thoughts on the play. “In that situation, you got to go to the guy that has been closing out games for us, that’s been doing this for a while,” the 30-year-old explained. He further stood by his teammate, saying, “I try to set a screen, but I saw Wagner kind of cheat the play, so I already did my job. So they had that separation that he needed, and I try to read the play, try to get out of his way so he can operate. That’s pretty much it. I think it was a clean, clean shot. I thought the ball was going in. Great look. We were close to winning the game if the ball went in.”

Though he knows he could have confidently taken the shot himself and potentially ended the night with a win for the Bucks, Giannis is also okay with the way it went. “In situation like that also, I think I’m capable of taking the ball in the elbow, they play one-on-one, try to take myself, if they don’t, make something happen. But it’s one or the other. But I’m cool. I’m cool with one of the best closers in the game, taking that shot, and we all have to live with it,” he added.

Giannis accepted the outcome, regardless of what happened. And now they know whom his team is up against, but they are not giving it up easily. That means the showdown at the Fiserv Forum is bound to be a thriller. So, get ready for a nail-biter as the Eastern rivals meet for the final time in the regular season.