Giannis Antetokounmpo’s triumphant return from injury, marked by 29 points in just 25 minutes, propelled the Milwaukee Bucks to a 112-103 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, December 27, 2025. This electrifying performance came after an eight-game absence due to a calf injury, proving just how crucial the “Greek Freak” is to Milwaukee’s success.
Antetokounmpo Shines, Spurs’ Streak Snapped
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The Bucks star delivered a dominant performance in his return, while Victor Wembanyama’s stellar showing wasn’t enough to prevent a loss for San Antonio.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 29 points and grabbed eight rebounds in his return from a calf injury, leading the Bucks to a win against the Bulls.
- Victor Wembanyama put up 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 blocks, but the San Antonio Spurs’ eight-game winning streak was ended by the Utah Jazz.
- New York continues its winning streak, defeating Atlanta 128-125, while Orlando overcomes a 17-point deficit to beat Denver.
Antetokounmpo hadn’t played for the Bucks since December 4, and his absence was keenly felt. “When he is not in the field, we can experience periods of scarcity,” acknowledged Bucks coach Doc Rivers, highlighting the team’s 2-6 record without their star player.
Wembanyama’s Effort Falls Short
Victor Wembanyama made a splash in his return to the Spurs’ starting lineup after seven games on the bench following his own injury recovery on December 13. The 21-year-old Frenchman showcased his versatility with 32 points, 7 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 3 assists in 28 minutes. Despite his impressive performance, the Spurs fell to the Utah Jazz 127-114.
Wembanyama thrilled fans with a series of highlight-reel dunks, including one on his very first possession and another spectacular move while surrounded by four opponents. However, Lauri Markkanen’s 29 points and Keyonte George’s 28 points proved too much for the Spurs to overcome.
Despite the loss, the Spurs remain in second place in the Western Conference, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder, whom they had defeated twice during Christmas week.
Knicks Keep Rolling, Magic Mount a Comeback
The New York Knicks, fresh off their NBA Cup final victory over the Spurs, continued their winning ways with a 128-125 triumph over the Atlanta Hawks. Karl-Anthony Towns led the charge with 36 points, while Jalen Brunson added 34, helping New York secure its fourth consecutive win and solidify its second-place standing in the Eastern Conference. The franchise has won 13 of its last 16 games.
Orlando pulled off a remarkable comeback against Denver, winning 127-126 after trailing by as many as 17 points. Anthony Black, 21, set a new career high with 38 points, supported by Desmond Bane’s 24 points, to overcome Nikola Jokic’s triple-double of 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Raynaud Impacts Kings’ Victory
Sacramento Kings’ French center Maxime Raynaud, in his second consecutive start, contributed 19 points to the team’s 113-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The 22-year-old Parisian demonstrated strong synergy with veteran Russell Westbrook, who also scored 21 points, alongside Keon Ellis. This eighth win of the season provides a boost for Sacramento, currently near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
