Giannis Antetokounmpo responds to fan boos after Bucks defeat

An unusual scene unfolded Tuesday night in Milwaukee. As the Bucks trailed by more than 30 points at halftime against the Timberwolves, fans at Fiserv Forum booed their team as they left the court. Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s response came quickly.

An immediate reaction from the two-time MVP

After the first basket of the third quarter, a layup over Julius Randle followed by a foul that sent him to the floor, Antetokounmpo reacted. Sitting under the basket, the franchise player gave two thumbs down toward the Milwaukee crowd, the same gesture he usually reserves for opposing fans.

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« When they boo me, I boo back, » Antetokounmpo said after the game, noting it was the first time he had been booed in his own arena. The 29-year-old finished the game with 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a crushing 139-106 defeat.

« Whether it’s at home or on the road, » he added. « I play basketball for my teammates, for myself and my family. When people don’t believe in me, I don’t tend to be with them. I don’t think anyone has the right to tell me how to act on a basketball court after being here 13 years. »

Giannis Speaks Out After Emotional Night in Milwaukee 👀

« I’ve never been a part of something like that before… something new for me, » Giannis Antetokounmpo said postgame.

« I don’t think it’s fair, but everybody has their opinion. I’m not going to tell fans how to act. And… pic.twitter.com/SjLGmKtnhq

— BALLIN HQ (@BallinHQ) January 14, 2026

A defeat symptomatic of the Bucks’ struggles

This heavy loss to a Timberwolves team without Rudy Gobert (suspended) and Anthony Edwards (injured) perfectly illustrates Milwaukee’s current difficulties. With a record of 17 wins and 23 losses, the Bucks are on a second consecutive defeat and struggling to find their form.

Coach Doc Rivers mentioned fatigue after a four-game West Coast road trip, but Antetokounmpo refuses that excuse: « We had a day off yesterday. »

The Bucks will need to regroup quickly before their next road trip, or risk seeing frustration grow even more at Fiserv Forum.