“Take 5 dribbles and shoot”- Giannis Antetokounmpo responds to free-throw struggles in Game 1 vs Heat

Giannis Antetokounmpo shot just 4-12 from the free throw line and says he will not alter his free throw routine.

The Milwaukee Bucks lost Game 1 to the Miami Heat 115-104 on Monday. This was in large part due to Giannis not dominating the game as he usually does, registering just 18 points in 37 minutes of action.

This was the Bucks’s second game since they decided to boycott the Playoffs last week.

Also read: ‘Giannis Antetokounmpo told me I made him cry’- Jacob Blake Sr reveals details of call with Bucks

The main story surrounding Giannis tonight however, was his poor shooting from the charity stripe, shooting just 33.3% .

When asked about whether or not he will be looking to modify his free throw technique or routine in his postgame interview, he replied with, “Take 5 dribbles and shoot it.” This implies he will not alter his free throw routine.

The reigning MVP felt he had nothing to change when it came to his free throw shot, despite not having a good night with it.

Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo says there will be no adjustments to his routine after missing 8 of 12 free throws in Game 1 loss to Heat: “Take five dribbles and I shoot it, miss or make. Take five dribbles and shoot it again.” pic.twitter.com/8CG8Ep8MjS

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) September 1, 2020

Giannis Antetokounmpo talks about his family being with him in the Bubble.

Players of teams who advanced to the 2^nd round were allowed to bring a limited amount of guests to the bubble to stay with them.

The Bucks superstar was asked about how it felt to be joined by his girlfriend and son, Liam, and he responded, “It’s awesome.”

Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo on being joined in the NBA bubble by his girlfriend and young son Liam: “It’s awesome. I’ve been here almost two months. Having my brothers but now having my son and my girlfriend, it’s nice to see some familiar faces. We’ve still got a job to do.” pic.twitter.com/q1UmaZNLLN

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) September 1, 2020

How well does Giannis have to perform for the Bucks to win this series?

The 2019 MVP was 1 assist shy of a triple double, however, he only made 6 field goals the whole game. Giannis also disappeared in the 4^th quarter, having just 3 points.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked about whether he would’ve liked to guard Jimmy Butler late in the game and he said, “No, I didn’t.”

Giannis is the biggest offensive transition threat in the NBA but unfortunately for him, the Heat are great at setting up transition defences.

For the Bucks to win, Giannis must find a way to convert on fast breaks as usual and also shoot much better from the free throw line.