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Knicks get the cold shoulder from Giannis Antetokounmpo, and also an L
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Knicks get the cold shoulder from Giannis Antetokounmpo, and also an L

The New York Knicks reportedly had an exclusive negotiating window with the Milwaukee Bucks this past summer on a deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo, only for talks to fall apart because they didn't go "all out" in the pursuit of the two-time MVP, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

On Tuesday, Antetokounmpo made the Knicks regret not selling the farm for him, as he dismantled them with 37 points, eight rebounds and seven assists on 72.7 percent shooting. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo snubs Knicks

To add insult to injury, the "Greek Freak" denied his reported interest in joining the Knicks after leading the Bucks to a 121-111 victory.

"Who said that? I'm here representing my team," Antetokounmpo said, via SNY TV. "And that's it. We beat the Knicks. That's what matters right now. I didn't read that article. I try to stay away from all the rumors. That doesn't concern me one bit."

Antetokounmpo was "extra" motivated to dominate the Knicks after the Bucks were swept 3-0 in their regular-season series last year.

"I don't forget things," said the 2021 Finals MVP, adding that he reminded his teammates of their record against the Knicks last year before Tuesday's game, which fueled them to respond accordingly.

Giannis Antetokounmpo makes NBA history

The new season is off to a historic start, with stars like Victor Wembanyama and Tyrese Maxey posting unprecedented numbers. Not to be forgotten is Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 36.3 points, 14.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.3 blocks through four games.

According to the NBA, Antetokounmpo is the first player in the 79-year history of the league to post 140+ points, 50+ rebounds and 20+ assists through the first four games of the season. Remarkably, the feat eluded even the likes of Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson.

More importantly, Antetokounmpo's exploits are leading to wins. The Bucks (3-1) are off to a victorious start after being widely expected to be mediocre by pundits and oddsmakers alike. Sportsbooks such as ESPNBet and BetMGM projected them to win fewer than 43 games. 

Sai Mohan

A veteran sportswriter based in Portugal, Sai covers the NBA for Yardbarker and a few local news outlets. He had the honor of covering sporting events across four different continents as a newspaper reporter. Some of his all-time favorite athletes include Mike Tyson, Larry Bird, Luís Figo, Ayrton Senna and Steffi Graf.

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