Giannis Antetokounmpo speaks on ‘must win’ heading to game in Dallas
Giannis Antetokounmpo speaks on ‘must win’ upcoming game in Dallas and Rivers, Kuzma react to the Bucks’ loss to Rockets on Nov. 9, 2025.
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has set, in his mind, two firm goals for his team in the early stages of the 2025-26 season: Space the floor, and do not lose two games in a row.
The Bucks will look to do both tonight in Dallas, as they play the second night of a back-to-back after dropping a tough game against Houston on Nov. 9.
Milwaukee continued to give Dallas extra possessions throughout the third quarter and the Mavericks took advantage in taking an 88-79 lead after the third quarter. The Mavericks scored 22 points off 11 Bucks turnovers through three frames
Dallas, one of the worst teams in the league, took a 57-53 lead at halftime thanks to scoring 16 points off nine Milwaukee turnovers and 17 points off the fast break. The Mavericks also went 15 of 21 from the free throw line as the Bucks were called for 13 personal fouls. The Bucks shot well under their season averages both overall (38%) and behind the 3-point line (35%). Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the draft, led all scorers with 12 points.
Antetokounmpo was just 2 of 4 from the floor and 5 of 10 from the free throw line for nine points. Myles Turner, who grew up about a half hour west of Dallas, was 3-for-10 from the floor for 10 points to lead the Bucks.
Milwaukee started the game strong, racing out to a 14-5 lead in the opening five minutes, but Dallas closed the quarter on a 26-13 run to take a 31-27 lead after the first quarter. Antetokounmpo didn’t attempt a shot but handed out five assists. He was also called for two personal fouls in the opening frame.
The Bucks also turned it over six times, resulting in 11 points for the Mavericks.
Eight of the 10 Mavericks who played, scored.
Milwaukee is 6-4 on the season and has yet to lose two straight.
Now, they look to bounce back against an injured Dallas (3-7) team led by former Bucks head coach Jason Kidd.
“Must win,” Antetokounmpo said of the game against the Mavericks. “It’s a must win. As I said, I think we were supposed to win this game (against Houston). We didn’t. We gave them the game. (Nov. 10) we have another one. This is why the NBA is great. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, tomorrow you have another one, you have another chance to redeem yourself. But (at Dallas) is a must win. We cannot lose two in a row.”
Is Giannis playing?
Yes. He is listed as probable to play with pain in his left knee, but he did not seem overly hampered by the issue on Nov. 9 vs. Houston.
Bucks starters
- Guards: AJ Green, Gary Trent Jr., Ryan Rollins
- Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Center: Myles Turner
What time is the Bucks game?
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.
What time is the Packers game?
The Packers are hosting the Eagles on Monday Night Football at Lambeau Field, with kickoff scheduled at 7:15 p.m. CT.
What channel are the Bucks on?
The game will be broadcast locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin with Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson and Melanie Ricks on the call.
Bucks vs. Mavericks odds, over/under
Milwaukee is a 1.5-point favorite over Dallas, with the over/under set at 230.5 per BetMGM.