Life without Giannis Antetokounmpo is always going to be difficult for the Milwaukee Bucks — but it shouldn’t come to a point in which they are losing a game by 45 points — let alone against a team that’s looking like it’s headed to the lottery.
But that was exactly what Kyle Kuzma and company went through on Sunday, as they absorbed an embarrassing127-82 defeat at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Kuzma speaks up on humilating Bucks loss to Nets
After the game, Kuzma opened up about the loss, saying that it was just another example of how no team is actually safe from losing on any given night — even against one that’s tanking.
“It’s 45 points to a team trying to lose,” Kuzma told reporters after the game (h/tMichael Scotto of HoopsHype). “They got 4 or 5 wins or whatever it is now. No disrespect at all because that’s the beauty of this league, right? There’s so much talent and if you’re not ready you can get your butt whooped by any team.”
That statement from Kuzma sparked a lot of reactions from fans online.
“Interesting take from a salary dump that would require additional assets simply to get off his contract,” said a fan on X.
Another one said: “Giannis cooking up all kinds of deals in the NBA Trade Machine as we speak 😭”
From a commenter: “Incredibly rare to hear any player address anyone trying to tank out loud.”
“Giannis is packing his luggage,” a social media user posted.
Via a different commenter: “Bucks have like 4 more wins than the nets btw 😭.”
Said another: “Kyle “Don’t Be That Team” Kuzma”
Dec 14, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Kuzma (18) drives to the basket defended by Brooklyn center Nic Claxton (33) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Kuzma scored 13 points on 6-for-11 shooting from the field for Milwaukee, which is missing Antetokounmpo due to a calf injury. Gary Trent Jr. led all Bucks scorers with 20 points with four 3-pointers, while Ryan Rollins had 11 points. But overall, it was a putrid performance by Milwaukee on offense and defense.
A chance to rebound from that loss comes on Thursday for the Bucks when they host the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum.
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