"Coach Joe did a great job" - Giannis is impressed with Joe Prunty’s performance as interim head coach

Prunty steered the Bucks to a 2-1 record when he assumed the post. Doc Rivers has been hired to replace Griffin and will make his debut as a Milwaukee coach when the Bucks play the Denver Nuggets on Monday.

Joe kept the Bucks together

Antetokounmpo said Prunty did an excellent job of keeping the Bucks together after the sudden coaching change.

"I think he had everybody in a good place. Our film session was simple, our practice was simple, our walk-through was simple, he gave us direction on what we're trying to do," Giannis said.

Milwaukee's first game with Prunty temporarily calling the shots was a 126-116 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bucks lost to the Cavaliers in their second meeting in three days, 100-112, but quickly bounced back with a dominant win over the Pelicans.

Giannis said that even with the loss to the Cavaliers, the Bucks actually played well.

"First game, I think we came in and played with a lot of energy. I think in the second game, in the first half, we played with a lot of energy. We were moving the ball; guys would be involved. Second half, we came out a little bit flat. They were able to take the lead and win the game, but I think we executed the game plan to the best of our ability. Third game in the back-to-back, same thing; we came in, gave us direction on what we're trying to do. We moved the ball," Antetokounmpo said.

Head coach material

Giannis acknowledged that Joe was put in a challenging situation when the coaching duties were delegated to him. But the Greek Freak said Prunty took the challenge gracefully, enabling the Bucks to post a winning record with him manning the sidelines.

"I've been with coach Joe for five years. His ability to be able to take this responsibility and be able to do it with grace it's unbelievable. I don't know; it's crazy to me that he's never been a head coach in this league. It's insane," Antetokounmpo concluded.