Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks secured back-to-back wins on Sunday with a 115-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings, offering a small but important boost of momentum.
The Bucks have remained firm in its commitment to Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he continues to reward that confidence with his impact on the floor. Antetokounmpo set the tone on both ends, guiding the Bucks through a controlled performance as they work to stabilize their season and move up the standings.
Giannis was unbothered. š pic.twitter.com/0DRhTElZ3B
ā Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 5, 2026
Before tipoff, the Kingsā mascot tried to get under Giannis Antetokounmpoās skin with a bit of playful trolling, but the Bucks star never took the bait, brushing off the distraction and staying locked in.
Antetokounmpo brought that same steady mindset onto the floor at Golden 1 Center and let his play do the talking. He powered Milwaukee with 37 points and 11 rebounds while knocking down 13 of his 17 shots, putting together another efficient night. The victory pushed the Bucks to 16-20 on the season.
Giannis Antetokounmpoās return with the Bucks
Dec 31, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during warmups prior to the game against the Washington Wizards at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Since Giannis returned to the lineup, the Bucks have posted a 4-1 record, with their star setting the tone on a nightly basis. Even with a minutes restriction, Antetokounmpo has topped 30 points per game across his last five outings and continues to climb the history books, now ranking third all time in games featuring at least 35 points and 10 rebounds.
Bleacher Reportās Grant Hughes argues that the Bucks cannot truly chart a path forward until the franchise makes the decision to move on from Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Jan 2, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates a 122-121 win over the Charlotte Hornets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
āUntil it resolves itself in a trade, the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation will remain the Milwaukee Bucksā defining feature. All other anglesāa refusal to offensive rebound, an inability to get to the foul line, Ryan Rollinsā emergenceājust wonāt get the same shine as long as the two-time MVPās future remains undecided,ā Hughes wrote.
The Bucks have been continuously active in the trade market. A recent report revealed the teamās top three targets. Meanwhile, Giannis also shared his commitment to the team. Hence, it seems unlikely that Giannis Antetokounmpo will want a trade or that the Bucks will willingly part ways with their franchise star.