Giannis Antetokounmpo attributed the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent blowout losses to poor team chemistry and selfish play, following a 122-102 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 21, 2026. This loss highlighted ongoing struggles for a team that has dropped four of its last five games and faces mounting pressure to salvage its playoff hopes.
The Bucks suffered a wire-to-wire loss at Fiserv Forum, never leading and trailing by as many as 25 points against a Thunder team missing several rotation players. Oklahoma City was propelled by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who delivered a dominant performance with 40 points on 16-of-19 shooting, along with 11 assists and seven rebounds. For Milwaukee, the absence of key contributors Kevin Porter Jr. and Myles Turner due to injuries compounded their challenges, but Antetokounmpo stressed that the issues extended beyond personnel.
After the game, Antetokounmpo expressed clear frustration with the team’s lack of cohesion. ‘We’re not playing hard,’ he 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.’ His comments underscored a recurring theme this season, where the Bucks have often faltered in ball movement and collective effort.
Statistically, the Bucks have lost four of their past five contests, with three of those defeats decided by at least 18 points. Their record now stands at 18-25, placing them 11th in the Eastern Conference and jeopardizing their streak of nine consecutive playoff appearances. The team has failed to win more than two games in a row at any point this season, reflecting persistent inconsistency and an inability to build momentum.
Antetokounmpo’s individual role came into focus, as he attempted only 11 shots in the game, marking his fourth consecutive outing with 13 or fewer field goal attempts. While he posted 19 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists, he indicated that involving him more could benefit the team. ‘I feel like I’ve played with teammates that understand the gravity I can cause,’ he noted, but added that he doesn’t aggressively demand the ball, a approach he might need to reconsider.
Head coach Doc Rivers criticized the team’s offensive execution, particularly the lack of ball movement. ‘We start out in practice with all this ball movement, and then we get in the game and it’s single pass, shot,’ Rivers said. He acknowledged the need to better utilize Antetokounmpo and improve decision-making, as the Bucks committed eight turnovers in the first quarter alone, setting a poor early tone.
The injury to Kevin Porter Jr., who averages 16.8 points and a team-high 7.4 assists per game, is a significant blow. Rivers stated that Porter ‘won’t play anytime soon’ due to an oblique strain, with no clear return timeline. Myles Turner is also sidelined with a left ankle sprain, further depleting the roster and forcing adjustments in rotations and strategy.
Looking ahead, the Bucks have a critical homestand with upcoming games against Denver and Dallas, offering a chance to rebuild chemistry and reverse their fortunes. Antetokounmpo emphasized focusing on possession-by-possession improvement, especially against elite opponents. With the trade deadline approaching, these performances could shape roster decisions, as Milwaukee aims to address teamwork deficits and reignite its campaign for a postseason berth.
