March 9, 2025

Game summary:

On Wednesday, January 8th, 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks secured a victory over the San Antonio Spurs at the Fiserv Forum with a score of 121-105. The Bucks were led to this victorious win by Damian Lillard with 26 points and 8 assists, Giannis Antetokounmpo with 25 points 16 rebounds, and 8 assists, and Brook Lopez with 22 points. Although the lineup with the Bucks and the Spurs is seen as a showdown between Giannis Antetokounmpo and rookie Victor Wembayama, it was a quiet night for Wembayama. Kellin Johnson led the Spurs with 24 points and 11 rebounds on the board. There were a few crowd-roaring moments when the Bucks were shooting three-pointers. AJ Green had the crowd in an uproar when he shot a three-pointer past the three-point line. 

The game started with a competitive first quarter as both teams traded baskets constantly and the Bucks were slightly ahead with 27-31. By the end of the second quarter, the Bucks controlled the pace of the game with a score of 46-65, due to productive offense and stuffy defense. Giannis and Lillard took advantage of fast-break opportunities, while Lopez took control of defense with numerous rebounds and blocks. They ended the first half of the game with an overflow of three-pointers getting the Bucks comfortably ahead. Because of this, this game was Bucks-focused as it barely highlighted the Spurs. 

The Spurs tried to fight back in the third quarter, but couldn’t close the gap enough to intimidate the Buck’s grasp on the game. 

Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis helped the Bucks’ consistency in the fourth quarter with 17 points from Middleton and 12 points from Portis. Although the Spurs attempted a late comeback, Milwaukee’s strong defensive and powerful offense solidified their control of the game until the final second. In a post-interview, Victor Wembanyama, a member of the Spurs, was asked about his thoughts on the game. “I don’t think it was specific tonight, I think it was all around. They were better than us, they were better Basketball players than us. We have to step up and we have to respect that.”

Key Performers:   

Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo: 25 points, 16 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Damian Lillard: 26 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists.

Brook Lopez: 22 points and 7 rebounds.

San Antonio Spurs 

Keldon Johnson: 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Chris Paul: 18 points and 5 rebounds. 

Victor Wembanyama: 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Game Turning points: 

The end of the first half of the game showed who had the reigns with the Bucks out scoring the Spurs 65-46. Wembanyama’s impact in the paint was affected by the tight defense the Buck’s were putting out, causing multiple turnovers. This allowed the Bucks to build a lead that never led up. 

With 30 seconds left in the first half, Antetokounmpo successfully blocked a dunk attempt from Devin Vassell, and Lopez closed out the half by making a three-pointer giving Milwaukee a 19-point advantage. 

Not only was this a successful game for the Bucks, but also a record-breaking night for Giannis Antetokounmpo. It was his 432nd career double-double, passing ex-player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (431) for the most in franchise history.

Good fight from the Spurs and a successful night for the Bucks.