Antetokounmpo says this meeting with the Knicks meant more, though not because of trade speculation

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo acknowledged the Milwaukee Bucks’ first meeting with the New York Knicks meant more to him than a typical regular-season game.

But the two-time MVP said it had nothing to do with a preseason report suggesting New York was Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination if he were to request a trade from the Bucks. He said it instead was about changing the Bucks’ recent history of frustration in this series.

“For sure, it was a lot extra,” Antetokounmpo said after finishing with 37 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in the Bucks’ 121-111 victory Tuesday night. “They swept us last year. They swept us. They were better than us last year. We didn’t make it tough on them. It was very easy. As a leader of this team, I remember. I don’t forget things.”

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