By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Despite a calculated return to form for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks fell 129-114 to the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum. The loss dropped the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season record to 27-37, extending struggles to find consistency amid their superstar’s injury recovery.
Antetokounmpo, playing under a minutes restriction, logged 22 points, six rebounds, and three assists in 32 minutes of action. Shooting an efficient 10-of-18 from the field, the Greek Freak expressed optimism about his physical progression.
“If it’s going to be 25, 30. I’m happy that I’m at 30, that means next game I’ll probably be a little bit higher,” Antetokounmpo remarked during his postgame media session, signaling an expected ramp-up in workload for the final stretch of the season.
The night was not without scares, as Antetokounmpo appeared to tweak his ankle on two occasions. However, head coach Doc Rivers downplayed concerns regarding a setback to the forward’s previously injured calf.
“I was scared. One time, he went down in the first half. He said he was fine. He just tripped over a guy’s foot, so there was no injury,” the 64-year-old play-caller explained. “And then he got hit in the groin, but I’m thinking that’s a calf the way he went down. That’s what you think. And he told me that, and then he was just winded.”
The contest was a tight affair, featuring 16 ties and 12 lead changes until the closing moments of the third quarter.
While French starter Ousmane Dieng contributed a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, the Bucks couldn’t overcome the Suns‘ 53.9% shooting.
Looking ahead, the Bucks face a daunting task Thursday against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center. They will have to contend with Bam Adebayo, who is coming off a historic 83-point performance, the second-highest scoring game in NBA history, just over Kobe Bryant’s 81-point record and Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100-point display.
“Incredible. It speaks volumes to his hard work,” Antetokounmpo said of Adebayo’s feat. “It doesn’t matter how you get it. All that means that you got it. Like in 10, 20, 30 years from now, nobody’s going to remember how many free throws he shot. I don’t think I remember how many shots Kobe took, how many free throws he made, or how many threes he made. All you remember is 81. Wilt, 100.”
Giannis’ brothers ranged from Thanasis, who stayed on the bench on Tuesday, to Alex, who remained on his G League assignment with the Wisconsin Herd.