Bucks humiliated, Giannis Antetokounmpo: “When they boo me, I respond”
A humiliating loss, boos from the crowd, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s reaction. The night that symbolizes the Bucks’ crisis goes beyond the final score
The evening at the Fiserv Forum turned into a rare and loud emotional short circuit. With the Milwaukee Bucks overwhelmed by the Minnesota Timberwolves well before halftime, the home crowd chose an unusual path: boos. A gesture that struck at the heart of the franchise and triggered an equally direct response from Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Down by more than 30 points at halftime, Milwaukee headed to the locker room accompanied by the boos of its own fans. A strong signal that did not go unnoticed by the team’s leader.
Giannis’ response: thumbs down and boos back at the crowd
Early in the third quarter, after finishing a layup through contact against Julius Randle, Antetokounmpo ended up on the floor under the basket. That’s when he decided to respond: double thumbs down and boos directed at his own arena. An image bound to spark debate.
After the game- lost 139-106 – Giannis explained his stance without filters:
When they boo me, I respond.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
By his own admission, it was the first time ever he had been booed at home.
A gesture seen on the road, but never in Milwaukee
The thumbs-down gesture isn’t new in Antetokounmpo’s repertoire this season. He had already used it away from Wisconsin, notably:
- after the game-winning basket in Indiana against the Pacers in October
- after a windmill dunk that sealed a win against Chicago
This time, however, the context is everything. Not a hostile road arena, but the court where he has been the centerpiece for 13 seasons.
I play for my teammates, for myself, and for my family. When people don’t believe in me, I don’t stand with them. Home or away doesn’t change anything. I don’t think it’s right, but everyone has the right to their opinion.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Then came the harshest line:
After 13 years here, and considering what I’ve done, nobody has the right to tell me how I should behave on the court.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
A heavy loss, hard to justify
The tension stems from a deeply disappointing collective performance. The Bucks fell to 17-23, suffering their second straight loss to a Minnesota team without Rudy Gobert (suspended) and Anthony Edwards (injury management for his foot).
Yet the game was completely one-sided:
- Timberwolves in control from start to finish
- maximum lead of 41 points
- Milwaukee’s starters pulled early in the fourth quarter
We didn’t play with the right intensity. We didn’t do the right things or play as a team. The effort was low. And you can’t allow that.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Fatigue, yes, but no excuses
Doc Rivers tried to explain the collapse by pointing to tired legs after a long West Coast trip and ahead of another journey.
We looked out of energy. I knew it would be a tough game.
Doc Rivers
Giannis, however, rejected the justification:
Tired? A little. But that’s not an excuse. I’ll never say I didn’t have my legs. I’ll say I could have done more, that my effort could have been better.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
A clear act of self-criticism – one that places responsibility on the entire group rather than the schedule alone.