By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Oklahoma City Thunder never trailed on the way to a 122-102 victory versus the Milwaukee Bucks in Fiserv Forum.
Lasting 31:29, Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a 19-point, 17-rebound double-double to go with seven assists and one steal.
“I’m not the guy that will yell, and curse his teammate out, and demand the ball,” the 31-year-old Greek superstar mentioned in a postgame press conference, commenting on being limited to 8/11 field goals on Wednesday. “I’ve never done that in my career, but I feel like I’ve played with teammates that kind of understand the gravity that I can cause for our team, and how I can create for my teammates and for myself, and how I can help the team be more successful.”
“For some reason, I don’t understand. Maybe because we’re young. Maybe because we’re not playing well. Maybe because guys think it’s their turn,” the Freak attempted to explain the current situation on the team coached by Doc Rivers. “I really don’t get it. I really don’t. It’s not like I’m not trying to be aggressive.”
The Bucks were reduced to 18-25 in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season, falling 1.5 games behind the Play-In zone of the Eastern Conference.
“We’re not playing hard. We’re not doing the right thing. We’re not playing to win. We’re not playing together. Our chemistry is not there. Guys are being selfish. Guys are trying to look for their own shots instead of trying to look for the right shot for the team. Guys are trying to do it on their own,” said Giannis.
“I feel like when we’re down ten, down 15, down 20, we try to make it up in one play, and it’s not going to work. You just got to keep on chipping away possession by possession,” he continued, describing team struggles.
His brother Thanasis did not get on the board in 2:28, and Alex remained on his G League assignment with the Wisconsin Herd.
For the defending champions moving to 37-8, German Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain) and Serbian Nikola Topic (testicular surgery recovery) were among several sidelined players. Also, Belgian Ajay Mitchell left the game due to a right hip contusion after chipping in 18 points, three rebounds, two steals, and two assists over 25:10 as a starter for head coach Mark Daigneault. French reserve Ousmane Dieng grabbed one rebound in 1:33.