Shaquille O’Neal Expresses Concern Over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks, Reveals Worrying Struggles

The Milwaukee Bucks are facing the Boston Celtics today with a motive to put an end to their 4-game losing streak. The last game against the New York Knicks was a disappointing 13-point loss, but before that, the Bucks lost three back-to-back games to the Washington Wizards, the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Toronto Raptors, who are all out of playoff contention. Damian Lillard stated that his complicated personal barriers were the reason behind his underwhelming performance. However, Shaquille O’Neal did not show any sympathy for it. Rather, he used Lillard’s own words to call him not a champion. 

On Inside the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal spoke about Giannis Antetokoumpo and Co., stating, “What concerns me is that this late in the season, we’re still talking about this...Consistency matters. You have to be consistent of doing what you are supposed to do.”

“They are more consistent in doing what you’re not supposed to do. Damian said himself, ‘We have a lack of concentration’. You want to be in a championship team, you can never have that…You can’t play terrible and say, ‘Oh playoffs started, imma play great’,” Shaq added.

The Bucks have 47 wins and are on the verge of losing their spot as the second seed. The Orlando Magic, the New York Knicks, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are right below the Bucks with 46 wins. 

If Antetokounmpo and Lillard lose to the Celtics today, the playoff picture might turn a bit different. Although they are qualified for the postseason, they haven’t won a single game in April. Let’s see if they can turn it around today against the table toppers. 

What are the personal struggles that are holding back Damian Lillard?

Lillard shared in February, “People say, ‘When I hoop I ain’t thinking about nothing,’ but I’m not 21. I got three kids. I’m tight with my family and I’m going through a divorce…It’s probably been the hardest transition in my life, all things considered.” Apart from the divorce, Lillard’s shift to Milwaukee has made things quite lonely for him. He believes he does not have “much of a life” there. 

The 33-year-old point guard spent 11 seasons in Portland. His entire family and friends are back there, so it’s “definitely lonely” for him in Milwaukee. Lillard said he is filled up by his family, and when they are not there, nothing gets going. The Bucks have four more games before the playoffs. Let’s see if Lillard and his team can figure things out by then.

Read more: Damian Lillard Breaks Silence On Jalen Brunson’s Rise Days After Comparisons Started With NBA’s Top-75