Giannis Antetokounmpo is disappointed with his team’s effort, which has resulted in a 2-7 record so far this season.

NEW YORK (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is disappointed. He wants to see his team play with more intensity.

Two-time Kia MVP objects to Milwaukee’s effort loss 116-94 They fell to 2-7 on the season against the New York Knicks on Friday night.

“Teams that come to New York and play the way we play will not only give us games,” Antetokounmpo said. “Teams are not going to feel bad about us. We have to come out with the mentality that we have to compete for every position, one position at a time.

“We have to do a better job of competing. “We didn’t compete in any way.”

The Bucks fell behind by as many as 30 points in their seventh loss in their last eight games. Antetokounmpo played with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Damian Lillard scored 19 points, but there wasn’t much offense outside of the team’s two biggest stars.

“If you’re not going to go out there and compete, you’re not going to win the game,” Antetokounmpo said. “Sometimes you compete your ass off and you can’t win the game. But at least give yourself a chance.”

Milwaukee surrendered four 3-pointers in the first half, including New York’s first two of the game, to Knicks 7-footer Karl-Anthony Towns. The Bucks allowed layups and dunks in transition; New York held a 7-1 advantage in steals and outscored Milwaukee 21-8 in transition. The Knicks also held a 48-41 rebounding advantage.

“I think everyone is disappointed,” Lillard said. “When you’re in the kind of situation we’re in – when you’re losing a game and you’re trying to find yourself, find your identity – I think everyone was disappointed. You don’t want the men here to be happy.

“We need to understand what we are doing and what success looks like when we achieve it, and that starts with playing hard and competing.”

Antetokounmpo is particularly frustrated that the Bucks have been playing better lately. The Bucks lost two close games against the undefeated Cavaliers (including a two-point loss Monday at Cleveland, where Antetokounmpo did not dress), then cruised to a 23-point victory over Utah on Thursday night.

However, according to the Bucks star, he did not play the game on Friday.

“Did we compete in the previous game? Yes. Did we compete in the previous two games, Cavs and Cavs? Yes. Did we race today? No,” Antetokounmpo said. “We played great last night. We came to New York and lost by (22).”

Bucks fall to 19-26 in the regular season under coach Doc Rivers. But Antetokounmpo offered a vote of confidence to his embattled coach.

“Doc is doing the best he can,” Antetokounmpo said. “He’s trying to figure out the rotation. … I support him on this issue. At the end of the day, guys playing, we have to go out there and compete. He can’t compete on the bench for us.”

Milwaukee has played just three games at home so far this season. But seven of the next eight games will be played at Fiserv Forum, including Sunday afternoon’s game against the NBA champion Boston Celtics.

“We will arrive in Boston in two days,” Antetokounmpo said. “If we don’t compete, we will lose by 30.”