Giannis Antetokounmpo is intent on leading the Milwaukee Bucks to another NBA title. While the team added Myles Turner over the summer, he plays more of a supporting role than a second star. With no other elite scorer alongside him, Giannis has taken on the bulk of the responsibility, posting impressive numbers that have helped the Bucks reach a 5-3 record to start the season.
ESPN analyst Marc Spears has praised Giannis Antetokounmpo’s strong start to the 2025-26 season but questioned whether the superstar forward can sustain this level of performance throughout a full campaign.
Nov 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (25) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
“Whether it was Khris Middleton or Dame, he’s always had that No.2 guy to go with him. He doesn’t have it now, so he’s doing Wilt things. These are Wilt Chamberlain-type numbers. I do wonder if it’s sustainable. But he’s actually playing two less minutes than he did a season ago. It’s absolutely incredible,” Spears commented.
.@MarcJSpears shares his thoughts on Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo after he hit a buzzer-beater against the Pacers 🏀 pic.twitter.com/QffuvBMnO7
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 4, 2025
When Spears mentions “Wilt-like numbers,” he isn’t being literal. After all, Wilt Chamberlain once put up a 50-25-10 line, leading the league in points, rebounds, and assists in the 1961-62 season. Still, Antetokounmpo’s current performance stands out in today’s NBA.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s historic start for the Bucks
Nov 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after making a basket against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The two-time MVP is pacing the league with 34.0 points per game and 13.2 field goals made per contest, while also posting career highs with 13.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game.
“But can he do this every night? 82 games? He hasn’t played a 75 in a while. You know 75 is a high number. I don’t know if it’s sustainable, but what I’ve seen is MVP,” the analyst continued.
Feb 19, 2023; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo at press conference at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
It remains unclear if Antetokounmpo can sustain this pace over an entire season. On Tuesday, during the second game of a back-to-back in Toronto, he wasn’t at his typical dominant level, but still contributed 22 points and eight rebounds in a 128-100 loss.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will have two days to recover before welcoming the Chicago Bulls to Fiserv Forum on Friday. This marks the first regular-season clash between the I-94 rivals and also serves as the opening NBA Cup East Group C pool play matchup of the season for both teams.