/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-17666495566829595.webp)
The Milwaukee Bucks gained a vital 112-103 win over the Chicago Bulls, ending Chicago’s five-game streak and easing pressure in the NBA playoff race. Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from injury, delivered 29 points and eight rebounds, and stressed that Milwaukee are "fighting for our lives" as the team tries to revive its season.
Antetokounmpo had missed eight games because of a right calf strain, during which the Bucks went 2-6 and slipped down the Eastern Conference standings. The two-time MVP said the group must embrace urgency, accept physical battles and stop worrying about etiquette when every result now carries heavy playoff implications.
After the game, Antetokounmpo pointed directly to the table and the Bucks’ lack of recent identity.
"We're 11th in the East," Antetokounmpo said after the win. "Got to keep finding an identity. And if that's to get a little bit of scrappy at the end, so be it. We're not champs. Why should we play the clock out and have respect and fair play? We're fighting for our lives right now. "
The closing moments drew most attention. Antetokounmpo finished the contest with a windmill dunk on the final buzzer, which upset several Chicago players and led to both benches clearing. Antetokounmpo explained that the play was meant as a message to teammates about intensity, rather than a gesture of disrespect toward the Bulls.
Antetokounmpo reflected on long-term consequences if form does not improve and spoke about his priorities. "This is real tough. I've been 13 years in the league. If we keep on losing, probably half of the team not going to be here. We're not going to make the playoffs. I really don't care. At the end of the day, I just want to be available, be healthy and help my team win. And if [a windmill dunk] is what has to happen for everybody to wake up and understand, we're fighting for our lives, and we got to get our hands dirty, so be it. "
The Bucks’ record with and without Antetokounmpo underlines that concern. Milwaukee are 3-11 when Antetokounmpo does not play this season, but stand 10-8 in games with the forward on court. The contrast highlights how much Milwaukee’s structure, efficiency and confidence depend on Antetokounmpo’s presence.
Team-mate Bobby Portis described the shift that comes when Antetokounmpo returns to the rotation. "Adding a top-75 [all-time] and top one, three or five player in the world to your team, it changes your dynamic entirely," Bucks forward Bobby Portis said. "Just getting him [Antetokounmpo] back into the fold, it kind of made hooping easy for us. Guys in the right spots, you knew where your shots were going to come from. It just made hooping real easy, and everybody's energy was in the right place. "
Antetokounmpo later underlined the mood with a post on social media, linking performance to mentality and effort.
I ain't no painter but you get the picture pic.twitter.com/ZylyJipGzlGiannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) December 28, 2025
The victory over Chicago, Antetokounmpo’s strong individual return and the reaction inside the locker room together show how narrow Milwaukee’s margin is in the current NBA season. With the Bucks outside the top eight and every defeat threatening roster change and playoff elimination, performances like this are shaping both immediate hopes and longer-term decisions for the franchise.
