What happens when the energy shifts in the home arena? An unprecedented hope charges the known environment. A strong belief that no matter what happens, the fans are always here, through thick and thin. For the Milwaukee Bucks, the Fiserv Forum rose to the occasion of cheering the loudest for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s squad. Tuesday also marked the return of Bobby Portis Jr. after his 25-game suspension. So, for the Minnesota Timberwolves, that emotionally charged arena wasn’t going to be an easy zone, and well, they succumbed.
At this point, it’s not surprising to see the Greek Freak pick another triple-double because, well, he did. Three in a row, and there is no way this 30-year-old giant is stopping anytime soon. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo is happy that Portis is back because “He’s a player who plays hard. He’s a player who can make shots.” However, the major spirit missing from the court is Damian Lillard, and surely, his absence has affected the Bucks’ squad. But it looks like the veteran PG’s empty spot is benefiting Antetokounmpo.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s bold claims on Damian Lillard’s absence portray an important change
Speaking to the media after his 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists game, Giannis shared the impact of Lillard’s absence. The Greek star has 40 assists with five turnovers in the last few games. But has he noticed that the game slows down on many occasions? Shouldn’t that be a concern? Meanwhile, the reporter was curious to know, “You haven’t had the turnovers that might go along with a high assist total with having the ball in your hands that much?”
Giannis Antetokounmpo honestly responded: “I feel like when I have the ball, I’m more poised because I have the ball more, you know? Like, I’m not chasing the ball. And when the ball comes to me, I don’t have to make a decision.” Looks like the 2x MVP forward is finding more rhythm on the court than before. He explained why he is eling the way he is with the ball in his hand. “Because usually when I play with Dame and the ball is swung to me, I gotta make a quick decision because they’re loading to Dame.”
Of course! Having someone pass the ball requires not only presence of mind but also instant decision-making. What do to with it? Pass it to the other player or take a shot? It’s a battle in its own way, but with Lillard sidelined, it looks like Giannis doesn’t have to chase the ball anymore. However, this shift in the game doesn’t always go as planned. “Now they’re off me for a second, and sometimes I might get myself in trouble. But, like, when I have the ball, I think I feel more poised. I get to my spot easier,” Antetokounmpo confessed.
Mar 24, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Damian Lillard (0) during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
He further noted: “I make the extra plays—either going to be assist, or it might be a hockey assist, or it might be a pass that creates an advantage for my teammate that he can, you know, be able to get downhill or create something for the next player. And the next player does the same for the next player.” Comparing the situation to opening a cookie jar and then deciding on whether to eat it then or leave it for later, Giannis Antetokounmpo has evolved as a ball-handler on the court in Damian Lillard‘s absence.
Meanwhile, the Greek Freak has a simple request for the fans who are always there for the Bucks in every game, every season, through all the ups and downs. And surely, without this relentless love and support, not only Giannis and Co. but no franchise would be anything in the greater scheme of events.
Antetokounmpo makes an emotional request to Milwaukee Bucks fans
So, it was Giannis’s mom’s birthday, and the Fiserv Forum united to celebrate Mama Antetokounmpo’s big day. Meanwhile, Bobby Portis’s mother was also cheered while the hooper received a standing ovation. Thus, the reporter wanted to know what Antetokounmpo felt in that atmosphere in Milwaukee on Tuesday. “Great energy. We’re going to need this for the next three games. We’re going to need this for the playoffs,” he confessed. Especially with Portis back, this energy is everything the team needs.
Giannis Antetokounmpo confessed: “We knew that there’s going to be a lot of energy when he comes in, when he checks into the game. And I was happy because he needed that… as a team, we need it. We’re not going to be able to do this on our own. We need the people behind us—the fans, our fans behind us. And we definitely need that energy.”
Mar 5, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
He also highlighted the crowd’s energy in the fourth quarter. It pushed the team to play harder. He stressed how much the fans matter. Their love and support will be key in the next games and the playoffs.
Ultimately, it’s more than just buckets and boards. With Dame sidelined, Giannis has stepped up as the calm force. Meanwhile, Bobby’s return reignites the spark, and the fans keep pouring in the love. Together, they’re building something bigger—something that just might carry them all the way.
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