The Milwaukee Bucks had lost their last four of five games heading into Thursday’s matchup against the Eastern Conference leading Boston Celtics. There was a lot of talk on whether or not the Bucks should be panicking about the upcoming duel; Their defense wasn’t cutting it, and their offensive production wasn’t there.
However, when an NBA legend tells the fans not to panic, I think it’s safe to say that Bucks fans shouldn’t panic.
Shaquille O’Neal Not Worried about Milwaukee Bucks.
During Thursday night’s broadcast on TNT, Shaq talked about how the team has just hit a rough patch in their season, but nothing has changed in regard to the Bucks’ championship chasing dreams. The 15-time all star said that it’s best to be struggling now instead of a few months from now where the wins and losses matter a little more.
“They are contenders to win it all. It’s no time for panic. All this talk, and they’re still in second place. I’d rather them be mediocre now and then pick it up,” Shaq said.
“It’s no time for panic. All this talk and they’re still in second place. … I’d rather be perfect toward right after the All-Star Game. A lot of teams are perfect now and then they fall off.”
Shaq on the Bucks 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/HCDKssAMlz
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 12, 2024
He also added that if a team wants to be a championship-contending team, a little struggle and rough patches are essential for building success, to learn and grow from their mistakes. He mentioned how important it is to stay focused and not let outside distractions get the best of them.
“If the playoffs started today, they’d have the second seed. I’d rather them go through these lows, get mad, get mad, get mad, then in March or April, learn how to pick it up.”
Time and time again, teams have shown amazing kick-offs to their season and end up falling off after the All-Star games, heading into playoffs mode. Shaq talked about how right now isn’t the time to be focusing on playing perfect basketball, but rather take this time now to get everything figured out and then after the All-Star game, that’s when you start perfecting your game.
“You don’t have to be perfect right now. I’ve seen a lot of teams that’s been perfect in the regular season,” Shaq said. “No time to panic. I’d rather they be perfect right after the All-Star game. A lot of teams are perfect now and then; they fall off. They’re fine. Relax.”
The Bucks were able to come out of Thursday’s game victorious over the first place Boston Celtics, beating them 135-102 at Fiserv Forum. They were able to put on a show and put their recent struggles behind them, essentially showing an entirely different team than what we saw against the Jazz earlier this week. Milwaukee’s 75-38 lead at halftime was the fourth biggest halftime lead in franchise history, and that was thanks in part to a 25-0 scoring run through the first half.
Up Next
The Milwaukee Bucks will gear up to welcome the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. The Warriors are coming off of a 141-105 loss to the Pelicans, and are looking to bounce back against a Bucks team that seems to have a fire under them.
For More Wisconsin Sports…
Follow me on Twitter at @sarahspooon and follow us at @WiSportsHeroics. You can also reach out to Sarah via email at sarahspooon@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! We cover the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers, and High School sports!
