Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 40 points not enough as Bucks fall to Cavs 1 Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

'It Doesn’t Matter Who Plays': Giannis Antetokounmpo reflects on Bucks loss to Cavs

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Oct 27, 2025 1:34 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks suffered their first loss of the season, falling 118-113 to the Cleveland Cavaliers despite a dominant effort from Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak poured in 40 points, hauled in 14 rebounds, and dished out nine assists on 16-of-20 shooting. Even with the defeat, Giannis is pushing the Bucks to regroup and hit the court ready for their next game.

“Good teams don’t lose two in a row,” the Greek Freak remarked via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “We gotta go back home and play against the Knicks and hopefully we can get a win,”

Both squads faced lineup challenges, as the Bucks were without starter Kevin Porter Jr. and important reserves Kyle Kuzma and Cole Anthony, while the Cavaliers were missing All-Star Darius Garland and Max Strus.

“I think we came into this game and we fought the first minute to the last minute,” Giannis continued.

The Bucks contained Cleveland star Donovan Mitchell for much of the game, holding him to 9-of-20 shooting overall. However, Mitchell scored 10 of his team-high 24 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Cavaliers withstand a Bucks comeback that erased an 18-point third-quarter deficit to tie the game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo wants the Bucks to play hard

Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket between Cleveland Cavaliers guard De’Andre Hunter (12) and center Jarrett Allen (31) during the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

“We were down 15 or 16, got back to the game, guys were making shots, guys were making an extra effort defensively and we got close to the game but we wasn’t able to finish it,” the former MVP added.

AJ Green contributed 20 points for the Bucks, including a deep 30-footer with 4.2 seconds remaining that cut the deficit to 114-112. However, Evan Mobley calmly sank two free throws for Cleveland afterward, effectively sealing the victory.

Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

“It doesn’t matter who plays; as long as you go out there and you’re going to give everything you have and this is who we’re going to be: we’re going to be a bunch of guys that play hard, that make plays, that space the floor the right way, guys that make open shots and guys that give everything every single night and make every single night a bar fight,” said Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo recorded his 29th career 40–10–5, tying Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Elgin Baylor for third-most in NBA history, while posting his eighth game with at least 70% shooting, extending his league record. He also became the first player ever to begin a season with over 100 points, 40 rebounds, and 15 assists through the first three games.

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

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