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Breaking their four-game losing streak in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season, the Milwaukee Bucks achieved a franchise-high shooting percentage of 68.9% from the floor, resulting in a 133-123 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Despite battling a sprained left foot, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered an impressive performance, scoring 37 points on 12 of 18 shooting, which included two shots from beyond the arc. In addition to his scoring, Giannis also contributed 11 assists, five rebounds, three steals, and one block during his 36 minutes on the court.
“I really needed this win,” the Greek international emphasized during a post-game press conference.
“When you win, you sleep better, enjoy your meals more, and have a greater appreciation for time spent with your kids. Everything is just better. Plus, it enhances the camaraderie with my teammates,” he added. “I’m not going to sugarcoat it; I hate losing. We absolutely needed this victory. I keep telling my teammates, ‘We’re fighting for our lives. We’re fighting for our lives.’ They might think I’m joking, but I’m serious. Every win is crucial.”
Under the guidance of coach Doc Rivers, the team concluded with an impressive 51 out of 74 shooting from the field, finishing the Regular Season at 41-34.
“It was just one of those nights where the shots kept falling. Most of their attempts were wide open. If they weren’t getting those looks, they effectively attacked the paint to create opportunities. In our last game against Atlanta, we shot about 70 or 72% in the first half, but when we came out for the third quarter, it felt like we couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn,” Giannis remarked, referencing the recent NBA Sundays match-up against the Atlanta Hawks.
After a recent encounter with Mike Budenholzer on the road, the Bucks welcomed their former head coach back to Fiserv Forum for the first time since his firing in 2023.
“It’s definitely a strange feeling,” Giannis admitted, “Seeing him react to my plays—complaining about charges and push-offs. Those were the very moves he encouraged when we played together. We won a championship together, and he loved when I made those plays.”
Vasilije Micic did not see action for the Suns.
Kevin Durant, who is dealing with a left ankle injury, is anticipated to miss the entirety of the three-game road trip covering Milwaukee, Boston, and New York. As his team continues to struggle, they suffered their fourth consecutive defeat while vying for a spot in the Western Conference Play-Ins.
