Wembanyama leads Spurs to 144-118 win over Bucks

Victor Wembanyama’s 30 points and 14 rebounds power Spurs past Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks to snap home losing streak.

Rewrite: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs chases down a loose ball against the Milwaukee Bucks in the second half at Frost Bank Center on January 31, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Widya Lestari

Victor Wembanyama delivered a standout performance, scoring 30 points and grabbing 14 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a thrilling 144-118 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. The win ended the Spurs' four-game home losing streak and showcased the talent of the second-year French phenom, who went head-to-head with the Bucks' superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite facing tough physical challenges from Antetokounmpo in the fourth quarter, Wembanyama stood his ground and played a pivotal role in the Spurs' dominant win.

With the Spurs holding a comfortable 14-point lead entering the final period, they expanded it to 22 with just over seven minutes remaining, effectively sealing the game. The victory marked just the second win in San Antonio's last seven games, giving them a much-needed boost.

Balanced scoring effort from the Spurs

In addition to Wembanyama’s performance, Keldon Johnson provided a significant contribution with 24 points, helping the Spurs maintain their lead throughout the game. Stephon Castle added 20 points, while Harrison Barnes scored 16. Devin Vassell and Chris Paul each contributed 12 points, rounding out the Spurs' well-rounded offensive effort.

The Spurs’ collective offensive firepower was too much for the Bucks to handle, with multiple players stepping up to support Wembanyama’s dominant outing. The Spurs’ balanced approach helped them stay ahead in a game that saw frequent lead changes, particularly in the first half.

On the other side, Giannis Antetokounmpo had a tremendous game, finishing with 35 points and 14 rebounds, leading all scorers. Despite his efforts, the Bucks struggled to keep up with the Spurs' pace, especially in the final stages of the game. Damian Lillard added 22 points, while Khris Middleton contributed 21 points. Taurean Prince chipped in with 13 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Bucks from falling short.

Antetokounmpo had a strong presence on both ends of the court, but the Spurs’ depth and efficient scoring ultimately made the difference. While the Bucks' big three of Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and Middleton combined for 78 points, they couldn’t contain the Spurs' offensive explosion, particularly in the second half.

The game got off to an exciting start, with the Spurs taking an early lead in the first quarter. They were ahead by as many as 11 points, but the Bucks fought back, with Middleton's 10 points in the first period, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer, helping Milwaukee tie the game at 35-35 by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was equally competitive, with both teams exchanging leads. The Bucks built a five-point advantage late in the period, thanks to a pull-up jumper from Middleton with 1:30 to go. However, Wembanyama answered with a 3-pointer, and Castle made a free throw, keeping the Spurs within one point at halftime, trailing 71-70.

Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 21 points and nine rebounds before halftime, while Middleton and Lillard added 14 points each. Johnson paced the Spurs with 20 points off the bench, and Wembanyama had 12 points, setting the stage for an exciting second half.

After halftime, the Spurs came out strong, reclaiming the lead early in the third quarter. A 3-pointer by Castle at the 9:27 mark put San Antonio ahead 81-79. The Spurs pushed their advantage further, reaching a 100-89 lead with 4:15 remaining in the quarter. Wembanyama's one-legged 3-pointer with 1:23 left in the third quarter capped a strong period for the Spurs, who led by 17 points going into the final frame.

San Antonio's defense and offensive execution were key in the third quarter, as they limited the Bucks' scoring opportunities while continuing to attack the basket. The Spurs’ ability to execute in transition and hit key shots from beyond the arc kept Milwaukee at bay.

Fourth-quarter dominance seals victory for the Spurs

By the time the fourth quarter arrived, the Spurs were in complete control of the game. With a 14-point lead entering the final period, they quickly expanded it to 22 points, thanks to key plays from Wembanyama, Castle, and Johnson. The Bucks were unable to mount a significant comeback, and San Antonio coasted to the finish line with a 144-118 victory.

Despite Antetokounmpo’s best efforts, the Bucks couldn't find the rhythm needed to keep up with the Spurs in the final quarter. The game ended as a statement win for San Antonio, with Wembanyama playing a pivotal role in both the offense and defense.

The Spurs' victory over the Bucks showcased the importance of depth and team play. While Wembanyama was undoubtedly the star of the night, the contributions of players like Johnson, Castle, Barnes, and Paul were crucial in ensuring the win. The Spurs' ability to execute on offense and defense allowed them to keep the Bucks at bay, even when Milwaukee mounted some challenges throughout the game.

For the Bucks, the loss was a disappointing one, as they failed to capitalize on Antetokounmpo's dominant performance. While Lillard, Middleton, and Antetokounmpo put up impressive numbers, the lack of support from the rest of the team proved to be a key factor in the defeat. The Bucks will need to adjust defensively and find more consistent contributions from their supporting players to avoid similar outcomes in the future.

Wembanyama’s brilliance leads Spurs to a statement win over the Bucks

Victor Wembanyama’s dominant 30-point, 14-rebound performance helped lead the San Antonio Spurs to a resounding 144-118 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. The win snapped a four-game home losing streak for the Spurs and served as a reminder of Wembanyama’s rising star power. Despite a strong effort from Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Spurs were too much for the Bucks, with balanced scoring and a strong defensive effort helping to seal the victory.

San Antonio’s collective effort, especially in the second half, proved to be the difference, and they will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season. The Bucks, meanwhile, will need to regroup and find a way to stop similar offensive outbursts from their opponents moving forward.