Giannis Antetokounmpo gets real on becoming Michael Jordan in the NBA playoffs with Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Bucks have two regular-season games remaining, but with little left at stake, their focus has already shifted to the postseason. Speaking on that goal, Giannis Antetokounmpo got candid about his role in the most crucial stretch of the year, drawing an unexpected parallel to Michael Jordan.

Following Milwaukee’s 136-111 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night at Fiserv Forum, Giannis was asked whether the team’s current hot streak—six straight wins—was a positive sign heading into the postseason. “It’s different in the playoffs,” he said.

“The intensity is higher. Their attention to detail is different. Their physicality is different. Some people can say that their body gets heavier. No, it’s not the same,” the power forward added. “It’s not the same. But, at the end of the day, it’s basketball, and I believe that teams cannot just flip the switch.”

Still, Antetokounmpo emphasized the importance of consistent effort throughout the year when preparing for the playoffs. “Just because it’s the playoffs, you’ll become Michael Jordan — I don’t think it works that way,” he said. “I think you have to build habits throughout the regular season, throughout every single day, week, and month that you play in the regular season, so you can prepare in the playoffs and be able to play and help your team be in a high level.”

When asked what makes the postseason feel so different, Giannis didn’t hesitate. “If you’ve never been in the playoffs, there’s nothing that I can tell you to make you understand or feel how the playoff is like,” said the Greek star. “You gotta play.”

Antetokounmpo analyzes the performance of the Bucks

Against the Pelicans on Thursday night, Milwaukee didn’t need much floor time from Giannis Antetokounmpo to secure the win. The power forward played just 26 minutes, putting up 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists—leading the team in all three categories.

“I feel like I’m having fun. I’m having fun, I’m competing, I’m in a good place,” said Giannis when asked about his individual performance. “It doesn’t matter how many minutes I play or what’s in front of me. I just want to have fun and compete.”

And as for how he sees the Bucks at this stage of the 2024-25 NBA season, Antetokounmpo is feeling confident. “I kind of like where we are right now. We’re competing. We’re able to score the ball. We always keep our composure no matter what time and score,” he began. “Guys are competing. I love where we are right now. We just got to stay humble and go at each game in front of us with everything that we have.”