Giannis Antetokounmpo and Mike Budenholzer shared a tender moment on the court on Tuesday after the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the latter’s new team Phoenix Suns.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 22, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer (right) talks with forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half of game three of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
It was a short moment that got fans feeling nostalgic as the two teamed up in 2021 for the championship, the team’s second in 49 years.
Giannis and Coach Bud. 💚 pic.twitter.com/YqdBmOyWOJ
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 2, 2025
The two exchanged pleasantries but before all that, they were trying to play mind games.
Budenholzer is no longer the supportive coach of Giannis Antetokounmpo. He probably is whenever they’re not going up against each other. However, on Tuesday, Budenholzer had to do everything he could to help his team win, including complaining about Antetokounmpo’s playing style.
Mike Budenholzer, Phoenix Suns
Apr 1, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer reacts in the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
“It’s definitely weird,” Antetokounmpo said. “Seeing him complain about plays that I do. Charges and push-offs and all that.
“It’s stuff that he loved when I did it when we were on the same team. We won the championship together, he loved when I did that. But now that I’m playing against it, it’s definitely weird.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks got their much needed win
The Bucks were able to get back at Budenholzer whose team beat them a week ago by just two points.
It was a much needed win for Antetokounmpo and company as they already lost four straight before it. They needed something to raise the morale of the team, not only because they are losing but also because of the injury to Damian Lillard who is out indefinitely due to deep vein thrombosis.
The Greek Freak led the way with his 37 points, five rebounds, and 11 assists, four of which were in the last three minutes.
Milwaukee Bucks Atlanta Hawks
Mar 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) talks with referee Ed Malloy (14) during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Almost everything clicked for them this time. Antetokounmpo finally got the help he needed.
The other four starters scored in double digits, led by Ryan Rollins who had career high 23 points, including two field goals in the last one minute and 30 seconds. Brook Lopez had 22, Taurean Prince scored 16 while Kyle Kuzma contributed 12.
The team will hope that they will be able to carry the good spirit as they take on Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday.
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