By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated with a huge double-double, pushing the Milwaukee Bucks to a win, 122-116, over the Toronto Raptors in Scotiabank Arena.
The 30-year-old Greek point forward lasted nearly 38 minutes en route to 31 points and 20 rebounds on Friday. He made 11/14 from the field, including two three-pointers. His efforts expanded to seven assists and one block, helping his side pull away in the fourth quarter and improve to 2-0 in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season.
“When you play a team like Toronto, they have a lot of big guards, big wings that can put their body, and you just got to match their energy. If you’re able to get some easy one in transition or get like an offensive rebound, the second possession for your team, or like set a screen and roll and open up something the weak side, just got to match their physicality and match the energy,” he described his approach to the game.
Asked about matching up with Scottie Barnes, the Freak stressed his focus is on picking up wins.
“When I was younger, I was thinking about matchups, like I’m guarding KD, I’m guarding LeBron. I’m guarding Paul George. I’m guarding Jimmy Butler, DeRozan,” he recalled, “I wanted for people to know who I am in this league. I established myself, but now that I’m older, you realize it’s all about winning. Just win the game.”
Giannis was initially listed as probable to play due to a left great toe sprain. His brothers were left off the floor, with Thanasis staying on the bench and Alex out of the lineup for the team coached by Doc Rivers. Also, Kyle Kuzma was forced to an early exit due to a sprained left ankle.
On the team coached by Serbian Darko Rajakovic, Austrian starter Jakob Poeltl registered six points, five rebounds, and two assists over 26:34. Off the bench, Georgian Sandro Mamukelashvili had four points, three rebounds, and one assist in 15:40.