The Milwaukee Bucks are hitting their stride thanks to the growing chemistry between Giannis Antetokounmpo and AJ Green. Antetokounmpo continues to dominate with his trademark power and relentlessness, while Green’s shooting touch has added a new layer to Milwaukee’s offense. Their connection has given the Bucks a renewed energy to start the season.
Earlier this week, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered one of his biggest moments of the early season, hitting a spinning turnaround buzzer-beater to lift the Bucks past the Indiana Pacers.
Nov 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the game winning shot while Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
But before the shot, AJ Green made the key play that set it up. With the game tied and 10 seconds remaining, Milwaukee’s most dependable shooter cut from the corner and set a screen at the top of the key. That move forced a defensive switch, leaving Aaron Nesmith to guard Antetokounmpo after Pascal Siakam was screened off. Known for his toughness, Nesmith held his ground, but Giannis powered through and buried the dagger.
Antetokounmpo has been unstoppable to start the season, putting up 32 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists per game while shooting with remarkable efficiency. His strong play has powered Milwaukee’s 5-3 record, and the improved floor spacing around him has been a major factor. A big part of that spacing comes from Green’s reliable shooting.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and AJ Green’s growing chemistry
Jan 4, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard AJ Green (20) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Bucks coach Doc Rivers has frequently played Antetokounmpo and Green together, and the pairing has clicked right away. Green is knocking down over half of his three-point attempts, while Giannis is converting 80 percent of his shots at the rim and attacking the paint more aggressively than ever.
“When they share the floor, Milwaukee averages an unstoppable 128 points per 100 possessions, according to Cleaning the Glass. For context, that’s more efficient than a Stephen Curry 3-pointer,” wrote The Athletic’s Fred Katz on his article.
Jan 4, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) sets up a play in the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Rivers’ rotations reflect his growing trust in this pairing and in his starting unit overall. Milwaukee’s primary lineup has logged the second-most minutes of any five-man group in the NBA, and that consistency is helping the Bucks establish rhythm early.
Spacing the floor around the Greek Freak has long been a proven recipe for success, and Green has delivered exactly what Milwaukee needs. With Antetokounmpo overpowering opponents in the paint and Green forcing defenders to respect his range, the pair has quickly emerged as one of the NBA’s most effective combinations.