Extending a tough stretch for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the San Antonio Spurs rolled past the Milwaukee Bucks 119-101 at Frost Bank Center on Thursday.
After a first half packed with seven lead changes, San Antonio pulled away in the second, led by French star Victor Wembanyama, who powered a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double with two blocks and an assist while debuting a freshly shaved head.
The 22-year-old center logged just 22 minutes, bouncing back quickly from a short first-quarter exit following knee-to-knee contact with Giannis Antetokounmpo. He returned to tip off the second quarter and helped drive Mitch Johnson’s Spurs to a 28-13 mark in the Western Conference.
Wemby after bumping knees with Giannis:
"I did not think it was serious…and I've had this dozens of times but never against a guy like this" pic.twitter.com/CV9HzvqZcl
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) January 16, 2026
“I did not think it was serious, because it was just like a knee-to-knee, and I’ve had this dozen of times, but never against a guy like this. So, that was a little more than usual,” Wemby remarked during his post-game availability.
Game recognize game between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama
Jan 31, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
“Especially in a game against Giannis, I think you have to be ready to give up your body for this matchup, because, no matter what, you’re not going to get out of there 100%.”
A third consecutive loss dropped the Bucks to 17-24, even with the Greek Freak contributing 21 points, five rebounds, two steals, and an assist in just 22 minutes.
Giannis also commented on how much Wembanyama had improved compared to their previous matchups.
Jan 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) holds the ball away from Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
“Definitely, he is a way better player. He’s trying to get to his spot more. He’s trying to facilitate more for his teammates. He’s getting the ball closer to the basket, trying to get in the paint,” Giannis Antetokounmpo continued.
Giannis also added his expectations on the lanky French superstar, “As long as he stays healthy, he’s the future of this league. The sky is the limit. He just has to put his head down, work, and lead his team to win games.”