Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are one of the biggest forces in the East, as evidenced by their regular-season record over the last few years.
But in the playoffs, this team has yet to meet their potential, getting bounced in 2019 by the Raptors and then in 2020 by the Miami Heat.
Entering the 2021 postseason, Giannis did the best he good to temper expectations, citing that this year may not be too different than what his team did in the years before.
“I don’t know if this year is going to be different. I’m not gonna lie to you.”
" I don't know if this year is going to be different. I’m not gonna lie to you."
– Giannis Antetokounmpo
(h/t @AhnFireDigital )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 20, 2021
For a 2x MVP to be so lacking in confidence really speaks volumes.
Whether it’s doubt about his team’s talent level or the sheer strength of the competition in the East, not even Giannis seems sure that his Bucks will make a Finals run.
In the very first round, Milwaukee will face the reigning Conference Champions, against the same team that knocked them out a year ago.
If they get past Miami, they’ll be facing the Nets — a superteam with three NBA superstars.
The odds are certainly stacked against them, even despite the improvements they’ve made to their roster.
Truth be told, the Bucks are underdogs in the East for the first time in three years.
