Giannis Antetokounmpo reflected on the Milwaukee Bucks’ 119-101 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on Thursday, focusing on the pivotal second-quarter stretch that shifted momentum. He highlighted Victor Wembanyama’s return as the key moment that changed the flow of the game.
“Momentum. One of the best players came back, was able to get a rhythm from defense, got a block, then got a three. I think just gave everybody energy,” commented the Bucks superstar forward.
“They started to move the ball better, knocking down threes. We got many open threes, open looks that wasn’t able to knock down. If you knock one of them down, now all of a sudden it’s a totally different game. You play better defense, the ball is moving, but at the end of the day, coming back here at the half, you’re looking at the stat sheet and you’re like ‘Okay, we shot 30 threes,’ which means we were moving the ball,”
The forward also pointed to Milwaukee’s difficulty responding when opponents build momentum, stressing the need for greater aggression on offense.
Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Bucks recent performances
Jan 15, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots over San Antonio Spurs center/forward Luke Kornet (7) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
“Two games we scored under 100. We’ve got to be more aggressive. We’ve got to see the ball go in. We got to stop playing side to side and play downhill more,” Antetokounmpo added.
The superstar also shared his thoughts on matching up against Victor Wembanyama. “He’s a way better player. He’s trying to facilitate more for his teammates, getting the ball closer to the basket. He’s 7-foot-4, pretty much unguardable. As long as he stays healthy, he’s the future of this league,” continued the Bucks superstar.
Jan 15, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (1) fouls Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Milwaukee could not keep up offensively, shooting 34 percent from the field and 35 percent from three as Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 21 points. Kyle Kuzma followed with 18 points, while Bobby Portis chipped in 13.
San Antonio, meanwhile, shot 51 percent overall, hit 43 percent from beyond the arc, and went 23 of 27 at the free throw line.
The loss moved the Bucks to 17-24 and left them 11th in the Eastern Conference, while the Spurs improved to 28-13 and sit tied for third in the West.
The Milwaukee Bucks head to Atlanta to face the Hawks on Monday.