Jason Terry challenges Bucks ahead of final stretch
Lori Nickel
The Milwaukee Bucks have 14 games left — including a home game tonight against Atlanta — and are currently sitting in seventh place in the East. On Friday, after practice at the Sports Science Center, veteran Jason Terry had two messages for the team.
One, pick up on the intensity, especially in the spirit of these NCAA upsets so far.
And two, pick it up, starters.
Here’s what Terry has to say:
On NCAA games, including his alma mater Arizona getting upset in the tourney:
“It’s something as a professional basketball player, watching games like that? That’s the type of spirit that you would like to see maybe out of yourselves.
“Watch the way they played — every possession was critical. Everything mattered. That’s the type of spirit that this Bucks team, we have to channel somehow. Some way.”
On Milwaukee’s unexpected loss in Orlando:
“It’s on those guys in the locker room. Yeah, you can think a team is tanking – but two or three of those guys are playing for their NBA lives. Contracts. Maybe trying to make an impression on 29 other teams.”
On Milwaukee’s starters:
“I think it starts with that first group. I’m going to put a lot of added pressure on them. They need to set the tone for us. They haven’t done that here in the last couple of weeks, and I think it’s about time. You’re starting the game for a reason, it’s a tremendous honor. I’ve been a starter in this league. It’s one of those things that, if you all get off to a good start? Everybody will start feeling good about themselves — and the other team might start second-guessing themselves.”
'Jet' said the starters have enough experience now to lead:
“They know that the bench guys, we’re here to fulfill a role, so I won’t put all the onus on them, but hey you’re starting. Get us off to a good start. We’ll do our part.”
Terry said he went around and talked to his teammates individually:
“Where is your mind right now? Are you thinking about the playoffs? Are you thinking about vacation? What is it? I need to know because there needs to be a sense of urgency. And there needs to be a cohesive spirit.”