The Milwaukee Bucks fell out of contention for the 2025 NBA Cup following a 118-109 defeat at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks on Friday night, even with Giannis Antetokounmpo returning from a groin injury.
Antetokounmpo returned from a four-game absence due to a groin injury and immediately made an impact against the Knicks. The Greek Freak poured in 30 points on 10-for-14 shooting, pulled down 15 rebounds, and delivered eight assists, nearly posting a triple-double in just 28 minutes on the floor. Despite his dominant showing, the Bucks’ losing streak stretched to seven games.
Kyle Kuzma led the Bucks’ bench with 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting, while AJ Green added 18 points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo on Ryan Rollins: “I’ve been in the NBA 13 years. I’ve had 200-300 teammates. A jump for a guy that came two years ago to a two-way contract, non-guaranteed, a guaranteed deal, to the player he is today. I don’t think I’ve seen a jump like that in my career.” pic.twitter.com/ZFhaplgI44
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) November 29, 2025
Ryan Rollins finished with 13 points on 4-of-10 shooting, hitting 3-of-5 from three, along with five rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and two steals in 41 minutes during Friday’s 118-109 loss to the Knicks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo on Ryan Rollins
Mar 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
“I’ve been in the NBA 13 years. I’ve had 200-300 teammates. A jump for a guy that came two years ago to a two-way contract, non-guaranteed, a guaranteed deal, to the player he is today. I don’t think I’ve seen a jump like that in my career,” Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo remarked when talking about Ryan Rollins via NBA insider Michael Scotto.
Ryan Rollins has been a revelation for the Bucks while Giannis Antetokounmpo was sidelined, but with Giannis back, Rollins’ offensive output and shot attempts dropped, as expected. Still, he remains a key contributor on both ends of the floor.
Oct 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) reacts in the 4th quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
In Friday’s game, he recorded at least two stats in each of the five major categories for the first time in his career. Even with a reduced usage rate, Rollins continues to be one of the most valuable assets on the Bucks roster.
Milwaukee will look to turn things around this Saturday night at home against the Brooklyn Nets. With Giannis Antetokounmpo back on the floor, Milwaukee aims to snap their slump and improve their 8-12 record in the 2025-26 season.