A third straight loss in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season for the Milwaukee Bucks and 31-year-old Giannis Antetokounmpo
By Johnny Askounis/ [email protected]
Extending a disappointing stretch for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the San Antonio Spurs beat the Milwaukee Bucks, 119-101, in Frost Bank Center on Thursday.
With his side in a comfortable lead through the second half following a much tighter situation with seven lead changes before the break, French superstar Victor Wembanyama combined a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double with two blocks and one assist in the debut of his shaved scalp.
The 22-year-old center started and lasted 21:43, overcoming a brief exit late in the first quarter, after making knee-to-knee contact with Giannis. He returned to start the second quarter, resuming efforts to push the team coached by Mitch Johnson to 28-13 in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season.
“I did not think it was serious, because it was just like a knee-to-knee, and I’ve had this dozen of times, but never against a guy like this. So, that was a little more than usual,” noted Wemby in a postgame press conference.
“Especially in a game against Giannis, I think you have to be ready to give up your body for this matchup, because, no matter what, you’re not going to get out of there 100%,” he answered a question about the physical approach of individual opponents.
Polish teammate Jeremy Sochan logged 10:16 off the bench for two points and one rebound.
“He’s the future of this league”
A third straight loss reduced the Bucks to 17-24, despite the Greek Freak’s 21 points, five rebounds, two steals, and one assist in 22 minutes.
“We’ve got to be more aggressive. We got to see the ball go in. We’ve got to stop playing side-to-side and play downhill more. I got to facilitate more, got to create even more open looks as much as I can,” the 31-year-old point forward described requirements in bouncing back.
Giannis also went into Wembanyama’s improvement compared to previous meetings. “Definitely, he is a way better player,” he referred to fewer three-point attempts. “He’s trying to get to his spot more. He’s trying to facilitate more for his teammates. He’s getting the ball closer to the basket, trying to get in the paint.”
“As long as he stays healthy, he’s the future of this league. The sky is the limit. He just has to put his head down, work, and lead his team to win games,” he added on the Le Chesnay native.
His brothers ranged from Thanasis, who registered two points, one steal, and one assist over 3:50, to Alex, who remained with the G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.
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