Bucks Doc Rivers questions officiating, Milwaukee struggle against Luka Doncic and the Lakers 12 Nov 15, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

'I respect him': Luka Doncic applauds Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo’s gesture

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Nov 17, 2025 2:02 PM ET

Another game ball moment involving the Milwaukee Bucks unfolded on Saturday against Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers. Unlike last season’s tense incident, this one was lighthearted, highlighting the more wholesome side of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

After the game, Lakers players such as Jarred Vanderbilt and Luka Doncic requested the game ball from the referee to celebrate rookie Adou Thiero, who had just recorded his first two NBA points. Giannis Antetokounmpo intervened, took the ball, and handed it over to the Lakers, giving the young player a special keepsake.

“It took some time. The ref wouldn’t give us the ball. So Giannis took it and gave it to us. I respect him,” Doncic remarked in his post-game interview while holding the game ball.

Vanderbilt held the game ball, but a referee stepped in and took it from him, leaving Jake LaRavia and Austin Reaves wondering why they couldn’t have it. Luka Doncic tried to step in shortly after, but the officials still refused to hand over the ball. That’s when Giannis Antetokounmpo got involved.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s wholesome gesture

Nov 1, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) sits on the scorers table during warmups before game against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

“I didn’t understand what was going on,” remarked the Greek Freak. “I asked Thanasis [Antetokounmpo] and he told me what was going on, he was like, ‘They’re not giving the ball to the rookie’. I don’t know why. I don’t know why they weren’t giving him the ball. I just went, grabbed the ball and gave it to the team.”

Adou Thiero, picked 36th overall in June’s NBA Draft from Arkansas, had missed the Lakers’ opening 13 games while recovering from a knee injury. Saturday’s contest against Milwaukee marked his first professional appearance. He logged four minutes, scored four points, and a highlight reel dunk in the dying moments of the game.

May 14, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; Adou Thiero talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

“At first I didn’t even realize it was all for me, but I’m very thankful for this team and I think that shows how connected we are and how much we want each other to succeed as a team,” Thiero said.

Interestingly, Giannis handled things differently last season when the Indiana Pacers tried to claim the game ball after rookie Oscar Tshiebwe scored his first NBA points. That same night, Antetokounmpo had a career-defining performance, putting up a franchise-record 64 points for the Bucks. The situation escalated, and the game ball dispute turned somewhat physical.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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