Jacob Blake's Father Urged Bucks to Play After Rusten Sheskey Wasn't Charged
Jan 7, 2021
MILWAUKEE, WI - JANUARY 6: The players kneel during the game on January 6, 2021 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
Jacob Blake Sr. urged the Milwaukee Bucks to play their game as scheduled on Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons.
Per Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the Bucks discussed various options, including "demonstrating during the anthem to not playing the game" in the wake of the decision not to charge Kenosha County police officer Rusten Sheskey in the shooting of Jacob Blake Jr. in August.
Owczarski noted Giannis Antetokounmpo said the team received a message from Blake Sr. "that the family wanted them to play and to use their platform, which the league’s Most Valuable Player said helped push them to think of a different method of demonstration."
After the opening tipoff, players and coaches for both teams took a knee for seven seconds to protest the decision from Kenosha County prosecutors.
The idea to do something during the game was suggested by head coach Mike Budenholzer because "the national anthem is not always shown on television, and no independent media or fans are allowed into Fiserv Forum to help document it."
Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley announced Tuesday that Sheskey wouldn't be charged for shooting Blake seven times on Aug. 23.
Antetokounmpo added the Bucks informed the Pistons of what they were planning to do before the game started.
The shooting has left Blake paralyzed from the waist down. His uncle, Justin Blake, told the Associated Press in October that his nephew was being treated at a rehabilitation clinic in Illinois.
Giannis on Signing Bucks Contract Before 2021 FA: 'I Didn't Want the Pressure'
Jan 6, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks up as he walks onto the court before the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Giannis Antetokounmpo knows people wanted the 2020-21 season to be filled with drama for the Milwaukee Bucks as he headed toward unrestricted free agency.
However, the two-time reigning MVP said he hoped to quell the spotlight on his teammates by signing a five-year supermax extension last month.
"I didn't want the pressure. Not me, personally; I can deal with pressure," Antetokounmpo told ESPN's Cassidy Hubbarth (begins at the four-minute mark). "I didn't want the pressure on my teammates and my coaching staff. Going out there and losing a game, and people are talking about 'Oh, he's leaving. Oh, he's staying. Oh, they didn't play well. Oh, he's out of there.' That's adding more pressure to what we're trying to accomplish here.
"The goal is to win a championship. So going through a year of pressure is almost throwing out the year while I'm entering my prime. I'm not throwing out a year."
Antetokounmpo's free agency was set to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory, with teams lining themselves up to have cap space for the summer of 2021 in pursuit. Had he departed, Antetokounmpo would have joined LeBron James and Kevin Durant as former MVPs who recently jettisoned small-market life in pursuit of a championship.
The Bucks went all-in in their attempt to sway Antetokounmpo's decision during the offseason, trading three first-round picks and rights to swap two future picks in 2024 and 2026 (along with George Hill and Eric Bledsoe) to New Orleans for Jrue Holiday. The move was roundly criticized as being an overpay for a non-All-Star but showed the pressure Milwaukee was under to improve the team around Giannis.
The fact that Antetokounmpo re-signed after Holiday's signing wound up justifying the opportunity cost, but the pressure won't be stopping anytime soon unless the Bucks wind up hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy.
Bucks Release Statement After Rusten Sheskey Not Charged in Jacob Blake Shooting
Jan 5, 2021
Members of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics kneel around a Black Lives Matter logo before the start of an NBA basketball game Friday, July 31, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)
The Milwaukee Bucks released a statement saying the "organization remains firmly against excessive use of force by law enforcement" and will "remain strongly committed to address issues of societal injustice and anti-racism to make meaningful change for African Americans and all marginalized members of our community."
The statement was in response to Tuesday's announcement from Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley that white police officer Rusten Sheskey will not face charges for the shooting of Jacob Blake.
Amir Vera and Brad Parks of CNN reported the news, noting Sheskey shot Blake, who is Black, seven times in the back in August. Blake is paralyzed from the waist down as a result.
The police shooting of Blake sparked plenty of reaction from the sports world, and the Bucks played a prominent role for the NBA. Milwaukee's players refused to play in a playoff game against the Orlando Magic as the league was finishing the 2019-20 season at the Walt Disney World Resort bubble.
Guards George Hill and Sterling Brown read a statement explaining the team's position:
The decision set off a domino effect, as other teams also chose not to play. There was even some question as to whether the league would finish its season as players held a meeting to discuss subsequent steps.
The NBA and players eventually agreed to a number of initiatives as play resumed, including the establishment of a social justice coalition, the use of arenas in the 2020 election and more advertising and messaging around raising awareness for the importance of voting and social justice.
Report: Giannis Was Asked About James Harden Trade; Bucks Passed on Pursuit
Dec 31, 2020
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo tries to drive past Houston Rockets' James Harden during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly ran the idea of potentially trading for Houston Rockets guard James Harden past reigning two-time NBA MVP and face of the franchise Giannis Antetokounmpo.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Bucks ultimately decided against pursuing Harden, who is by far the highest-profile player known to be on the trade block.
Houston is not obligated to trade Harden, who is under contract through at least next season, but his status has been a hot-button issue ever since ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported in November that he turned down a contract extension offer from the Rockets and asked to be traded to the Brooklyn Nets.
While Harden's preferred destination is reportedly Brooklyn,Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahonlater reported that Harden is also open to a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers or potentially other contenders.
The Bucks undoubtedly fit the description of contenders, as they have finished with the best record in the NBA in each of the past two seasons.
Playoff success has eluded Milwaukee, as it was ousted in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019 and the second round of the playoffs last season, but it can be argued that the Bucks are just one player away from going the distance.
Perhaps that player is guard Jrue Holiday, who the Bucks acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in a blockbuster trade during the offseason. In landing Holiday, the Bucks brought in a fourth player who has been named an All-Star at some point during their career, joining Giannis, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez.
The Bucks are off to something of a slow start this season at 2-3, and Holiday hasn't fully hit his stride yet, averaging 16.4 points, 5.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.
With the aforementioned players plus Donte DiVincenzo, Bobby Portis and a host of other supporting cast members, however, the Bucks boast a deep and talented roster that may be enough to get them to the NBA Finals this season when all is said and done.
Acquiring Harden would have given the Bucks a legitimate second superstar and a player who has won the scoring title three years in a row with over 30 points per game.
It would also have meant the past three MVP winners would be on the same team, as Harden won it in 2018 before Giannis took the honors in back-to-back seasons.
It could have been an exciting partnership, but there is no guarantee Giannis and Harden would have co-existed, especially after things between Harden and high-profile teammates such as Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook went sour in Houston over the past couple of years.
Instead, the Bucks will try to do it with one superstar and a host of quality players around him, which has become the path less traveled in the NBA during an era of superteams.
James Harden Trade Rumors: Bucks Don't See Rockets Star as a 'Culture Fit'
Dec 30, 2020
Houston Rockets' James Harden (13) goes up for a shot while Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 29, 2016, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Bucks do not view Harden as a good "culture fit" alongside the likes of reigning two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and new addition Jrue Holiday.
Milwaukee established Giannis as the face of the franchise moving forward when it recently signed him to a five-year, $228.2 million supermax contract extension.
Harden arrived late at Rockets training camp prior to the start of the 2020-21 season amid reports that he wanted to be traded.
ESPN'sAdrian Wojnarowskireported that Harden turned down a contract extension offer from Houston that would have paid him $50 million per year and asked to be dealt to the Brooklyn Nets so he could play alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahonlater reported that Harden would also be open to a trade to the Philadelphia 76ers and potentially other contending teams as well.
There has been no movement on the trade front yet, as the Rockets are not obligated to deal Harden since he is under contract through at least next season.
While the Rockets are off to an 0-2 start this season, Harden has been spectacular despite the controversy, averaging 39.0 points, 12.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds.
Harden has led the NBA in scoring in each of the past three seasons with over 30 points per game in each of those campaigns, and he was also named NBA MVP in 2018.
If the Bucks were to acquire Harden, they would have the two players who have combined to win the past three NBA MVP awards, but Milwaukee is apparently happy with the mix of players it has assembled.
Although the Bucks are just 2-2, including a surprising 20-point loss to the New York Knicks, they are coming off a 144-97 walloping of the reigning Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat, which suggests scoring may not be a significant need.
The Bucks are getting strong play from their "Big Three" of Giannis, Middleton and Holiday, while supporting cast members such as Donte DiVincenzo, Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez and D.J. Augustin have contributed in a significant way as well.
There is a good chance acquiring Harden would result in Middleton, DiVincenzo, draft picks and other pieces getting sent to Houston, but as of now, there doesn't appear to be any reason for the Bucks to break up what looks like a strong nucleus.
Bucks GM: Giannis Signing Supermax Contract 'Wasn't an Easy Decision for Him'
Dec 30, 2020
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks up as he walks onto the court before the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Giannis Antetokounmpo committed to the Milwaukee Bucks when he signed a supermax contract extension on Dec. 15, but the reigning two-time NBA MVP didn't take his decision lightly.
Speaking to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Bucks general manager Jon Horst said it "wasn't an easy decision for" Antetokounmpo to re-sign with the franchise.
The biggest question of the NBA offseason was whether the Bucks had made enough to moves to get Antetokounmpo to sign his extension, notably having added Jrue Holiday. If the Dec. 21 deadline had passed without the sides reaching a deal, the 26-year-old would have been an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Alex Saratsis, Antetokounmpo's agent, told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski the deal is for $228 million over five years and includes an opt-out after the fourth season.
This is my home, this is my city.. I’m blessed to be able to be a part of the Milwaukee Bucks for the next 5 years. Let’s make these years count. The show goes on, let’s get it. 🤎🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/895tCBE9RK
The Athletic's Nehm, Shams Charania and Sam Amick broke down details of the negotiations between Antetokounmpo's camp and the Bucks on the day the deal was agreed upon.
"One day, he's in 1,000 percent. The next day, he's asking more questions," one source told The Athletic about Antetokounmpo's discussions with the team.
Nehm, Charania and Amick noted one of the big breakthrough moments for the Bucks came Dec. 12 when governors Marc Lasry and Wes Edens met with Saratsis in Chicago, but that was after "days upon days of deliberating for Antetokounmpo and his inner circle."
Ultimately, the Bucks got the agreement they desperately needed.
Antetokounmpo's decision allows him to give full attention to basketball without having to answer questions about his future. The next step is to get the Bucks over the hump in the playoffs after they led the NBA in regular-season wins each of the past two seasons.
Khris Middleton, Bucks Set Single-Game 3-Point Record in 144-97 Rout vs. Heat
Dec 29, 2020
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots next to Miami Heat forward Kelly Olynyk (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
It won't make up for last season's playoff loss, but the Milwaukee Bucks earned some revenge on the Miami Heat on Tuesday.
Milwaukee defeated Miami 144-97 at AmericanAirlines Arena in an Eastern Conference playoff rematch. Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday led the way for the victors, who are still looking for consistency amid a 2-2 start to the campaign but set an NBArecord with 29made threes in the dominant performance.
The Heat were playing without Jimmy Butler and fell to 1-2 despite a solid showing from Tyler Herro. They have yet to look like a championship contender in the season's early stages.
RECORD BROKEN.
The Milwaukee Bucks break the NBA record for threes in a game with 28 (and counting). pic.twitter.com/56DW54kVoB
Giannis' Teammates Drain Threes in Dominant Victory
Tuesday represented Milwaukee's first shot at Miami since its playoff loss, and it wasted no time sending a message.
The Bucks scored the game's first 12 points, jumped out to a 21-3 lead and poured in 83 points in a dominant first half. Miami had success against Milwaukee during the playoffs by clogging the lane to stop Giannis Antetokounmpo's penetration, but his teammates were ready to take advantage of the resultant space.
The visitors hit 15 threes in the first half alone, with Brook Lopez and Middleton each converting four-point plays. Middleton, Lopez, Donte DiVincenzo and Holiday all caught fire early, while even Bobby Portis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo connected from deep in an incredible display of shooting.
The Bucks’ 46 points are their 3rd most in an opening quarter in franchise history and their most on the road.
On the other side, the 46 points allowed in the opening quarter by the Heat are their 2nd most in franchise history and their most at home. pic.twitter.com/hskbsmLrfK
Giannis largely took a backseat scoring-wise, although he dished out plenty of assists to the shooters and turned heads when he went coast-to-coast for a monster dunk.
While it is dangerous to draw too many conclusions from a regular-season game—especially one in which the opponent's best player missed—this was exactly the type of performance Milwaukee needed against a fellow Eastern Conference contender.
Stopping Antetokounmpo will be priority Nos. 1, 2 and 3 for any opponent in the playoffs, so the Bucks' supporting cast needs to take advantage of the open looks and knock them down. Adding a veteran leader like Holiday who can score himself and make sure his teammates are in the right position should also provide something that Milwaukee was missing in the playoffs last season.
If the Bucks shoot even close to how they did Tuesday, they could come out of the Eastern Conference.
Solid Showing from Tyler Herro Nowhere Near Enough for Heat
While Butler, who was sidelined with anankle injury, is Miami's go-to option in crunch time and two-way star who can impact the game on either end, part of what makes this team a threat in the Eastern Conference is its overall depth.
That was on full display during the Christmas Day win over the New Orleans Pelicans when six players scored in double figures, and Butler was not one of them. The formula is still there to compete against elite teams such as Milwaukee with Bam Adebayo's versatility, Goran Dragic's spark off the bench and shooting from Duncan Robinson and Herro.
Herro was apparently the only one who received the message Tuesday.
The Kentucky product did what he could to keep his team within striking distance with 20 points in the first half. He did much of the ball-handling without Butler and hit from the outside, weaved his way through the defense and helped set up others.
It was nowhere near enough, though, as the game was over by halftime.
Both teams largely went through the motions as they played out the string following intermission, but Herro's performance at least gave Miami something to build on going into Wednesday's game.
He played well even with Holiday hounding him as the Heat's go-to playmaker, and he should be even better when Butler returns and takes some of the defense's attention off him.
What's Next?
These teams face each other again in Miami on Wednesday.
Bucks Set NBA Record with 29 Made 3s in Blowout Win vs. Heat
Dec 29, 2020
Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, left, uses his fist to bump the hand of Jrue Holiday (21) during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Milwaukee Bucks set the NBA's single-game record for three-pointers with 29 on Tuesday as they blew out the Miami Heat 144-97 at American Airlines Arena.
Sam Merrill sank the record-breaking bucket with 6:07 left in regulation to give the Bucks a 131-86 lead.
RECORD BROKEN.
The Milwaukee Bucks break the NBA record for threes in a game with 28 (and counting). pic.twitter.com/56DW54kVoB
The Houston Rocketspreviously held the record at 27, setting the mark in April 2019 against the Phoenix Suns. That broke the Rockets' previously held record of 26 in January of the same year.
The Rockets went 27-of-57 against the Suns to set the record, good for 47.4 percent. Milwaukee was a bit more efficient at 29-of-51 (56.9 percent) against the Heat.
Amazingly, Giannis Antetokounmpo (nine points, six rebounds, six assists) didn't contribute to the record, failing to connect on both of his attempts from deep. He was the only player for Milwaukee who didn't hit a three.
Khris Middleton sank four, Donte DiVincenzo made five and Jrue Holiday hit six to lead the starters. Merrill, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, D.J. Wilson, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Jordan Nwora, Pat Connaughton, D.J. Augustin and Bryn Forbes all drained at least one field goal from behind the arc.
The victory doubles as the largest road win in franchise history for the Bucks. Milwaukee also set a franchise record for most threes in a half during the first two quarters.
Miami—which took the court after Jimmy Butler was announced as a late scratch—will get a chance at revenge Wednesday as it wraps up a back-to-back against Milwaukee on its home court.
Giannis Says Bucks Are 'Going to Be Fun to Watch' After Blowout Win vs. Warriors
Dec 25, 2020
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo plays against the Boston Celtics during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo concurs with many of the outside assessments about how the squad is on stronger footing as it attempts to reach the NBA Finals.
"The Milwaukee Bucks this year, we're good ... we're better," Antetokounmpo told reporters after a 138-99 win over the Golden State Warriors. "We have some great guys that we added to the team. They're playing the right way, and once everything fits in together, we're going to be good. It's going to be fun to watch."
Jrue Holiday finished with 12 points, six assists and four rebounds. Bobby Portis posted a double-double (10 points, 12 rebounds) off the bench. Even D.J. Augustin chipped in with 13 points in 13 minutes on the floor.
The Bucks clearly didn't do as much as they would've liked in the offseason since the Bogdan Bogdanovic sign-and-tradefell through. Milwaukee didn't pivot to another marquee acquisition, either, once Bogdanovic became off limits.
General manager Jon Horst clearly needed to do something after the team was overmatched against the Miami Heat in the second round. There's always some danger, though, in overreacting and doing too much, which in the Bucks' case would have been something like trading Khris Middleton.
Antetokounmpo'sdecision to signa supermax extension was itself an endorsement of what the front office has done.
The failure to land Bogdanovic might prove to be just fine for Milwaukee since Donte DiVincenzo has combined points and shot 6-of-9 from beyond the arc through two games. Perhaps the gap between Bogdanovic and DiVincenzo isn't as large as Horst thought.
Of course, the conversation around the Bucks might change a bit by Wednesday night, when they will have completed the second half of a back-to-back against the Heat. Those games will be an early barometer as to whether Milwaukee is improved.
Giannis on Missed Game-Tying FT vs. Celtics: 'You Learn from Every Situation'
Dec 24, 2020
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo plays against the Boston Celtics during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo said he's "upset" he missed a potential game-tying free throw in Wednesday night's 122-121 season-opening loss to the Boston Celtics, but he's hopeful it's a learning experience.
"Hopefully when I'm in the same position, I can make the next one," Antetokounmpo told reporters. "That's the mentality you've got to have. But obviously there's a little bit of a weight on your shoulders because, if you miss, that's it for your team. I'm a winner, and I want to do whatever it takes for my team to win. But, you know, you learn from every situation that basketball puts you in."
The two-time defending NBA MVP was terrific for most of the contest. He finished with 35 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 36 minutes.
Things didn't fall Giannis' way in the game's final seconds, though. He switched on to Jayson Tatum during the Celtics' final offensive possession, and Tatum proceeded to bank in a long three-point attempt over the outstretched arm of the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year to give Boston a two-point lead.
Tristan Thompson then fouled Antetokounmpo with four-tenths of a second left. He hit the first free throw but couldn't tie the game, and the clock ran out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=259RPKi9a6U
His performance at the charity stripe has been one of the few issues throughout the four-time All-Star's career. He's shot 72.2 percent from the line across his seven-plus NBA seasons, and that figure dropped to a more concerning 63.3 percent during the 2019-20 season.
The 26-year-old Greece native made six of his eight free-throw attempts (75 percent) against the Celtics, but he missed the most important one of the night.
Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters:
"I love that he's there, game on the line, opening night, going to the free-throw line. He's been working on it. He knows how important it is. I think it's, again, of course, we would love to win, you want to come out, you want to have success, but there's so many good things that happened, including Giannis going to the free-throw line with the game on the line. You can't duplicate that in practice, and he's just going to get better and better as we go forward."
Antetokounmpo added he won't shy from trying to draw fouls late in the game despite Wednesday's high-profile miss:
"I want to be in those moments. I want to [have the ball] down the stretch. I want to shoot the last two free throws, I want to shoot the last shot, because if you think about it, if you do that a thousand times, some of the times it's going to go in. Some of the times, you're going to be the hero. And, some of the times, you're going to miss. But you learn from it."
The Bucks return home to the Fiserv Forum as they look to score their first win of the season in Friday's Christmas Day clash with the Golden State Warriors.
