The Milwaukee Bucks didn’t need Giannis Antetokounmpo to win — they just needed someone to step up. And on Friday night, it was Damian Lillard who delivered the knockout punch in a 120-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The game, played on October 31, 2025, wasn’t just another win. It was a statement. Without their two-time MVP, the Bucks proved they’re not a one-man show. Not even close.
When the Star Stays Home, Others Step Up
Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out with a minor hamstring strain, a precautionary move as the Bucks navigate a grueling early-season schedule. But instead of crumbling, Milwaukee leaned on their bench — and their new point guard. Damian Lillard, acquired in the offseason from Portland, turned in a vintage performance: 31 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds on 11-of-21 shooting. He hit clutch threes, drove through traffic, and calmly sank free throws down the stretch. The crowd roared with every basket. This wasn’t just good. It was the kind of game that makes you believe.Behind him, Bobby Portis gave them energy — 12 points, 5 rebounds, and two big blocks in the fourth quarter. Taurean Prince chipped in 10 points on efficient shooting, and Cory Alexander, a veteran signed last summer after a stint overseas, surprised everyone with 16 points off the bench. Together, Milwaukee’s reserves outscored Golden State’s by 28 points. That’s not luck. That’s depth.
The Warriors’ Struggles on the Road
The Warriors, coming off a strong 4-1 start, looked disjointed. Stephen Curry had 29 points, but he was 4-of-14 from deep — a far cry from his usual rhythm. Draymond Green committed five turnovers, and the team’s defense, usually so disciplined, looked lost chasing Lillard’s cuts. They led by three at halftime, but the Bucks came out in the third with a 12-2 run that flipped the game. Golden State never recovered.“We knew they’d be tough without Giannis,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr after the game. “But we didn’t expect Lillard to play like he did. And their bench? That’s the difference-maker.”
The Warriors, now 4-2 and 1-1 on the road, are still a contender. But this loss exposed a troubling trend: they struggle when their offense stalls. Curry can’t carry them every night. And without Klay Thompson fully back from injury, their spacing is thin.
Why This Win Matters More Than the Score
The Bucks improved to 4-1, tying them with the Chicago Bulls for the best record in the Eastern Conference. But here’s the twist: they did it without their best player. That’s the kind of thing that changes perceptions. Before this season, critics said Milwaukee was too reliant on Antetokounmpo. Now? They’ve got a new identity. Lillard’s arrival didn’t just add scoring — it added poise under pressure. And the bench? They’re no longer afterthoughts.“We’ve been building this for a year,” said Bucks head coach Doc Rivers. “We knew we had to be more than one guy. Tonight, we showed it.”
The win extended Milwaukee’s home winning streak to seven games — dating back to last season. Fiserv Forum is becoming a fortress. And with a soft schedule ahead — next up, a home game against the Orlando Magic on November 2 — the Bucks could easily run to 7-1 before the calendar flips to November.
What’s Next? The Race for the Top
In the East, the Bulls are still undefeated. But the Bucks are now the most dangerous team behind them. In the West, the Lakers lead at 3-2, but the Warriors’ loss opens the door for the Clippers, Suns, and even the Nuggets. This early-season chaos means every game matters. But for Milwaukee, this win wasn’t just about points. It was about proving they can win without their superstar. And that’s scarier than any 30-point game.The NBA season is long. But the message is clear: if you think the Bucks are just Giannis, you’re wrong. They’re deeper. Smarter. And now, they’ve got a new leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Damian Lillard perform without Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Damian Lillard delivered a game-high 31 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds on 11-of-21 shooting, including four three-pointers. He took over in the fourth quarter with key baskets and free throws, proving he can carry the offense when Antetokounmpo is out. His performance was the most efficient of his Bucks career to date.
Which bench players made the biggest impact for the Bucks?
Bobby Portis (12 points, 5 rebounds), Cory Alexander (16 points), and Taurean Prince (10 points) led the bench charge. Together, Milwaukee’s reserves outscored Golden State’s 42-14. Alexander’s 16 points were a career-high in a Bucks uniform, and Portis’s energy on both ends shifted momentum in the third quarter.
Why is this win significant for Milwaukee’s playoff chances?
With Antetokounmpo potentially missing more games, this win proves the Bucks can survive without him. A 4-1 start without their MVP signals championship-level depth. Teams like Boston and Miami are watching closely — if Milwaukee can maintain this level without their star, they’re a serious threat in the Eastern Conference finals.
What does this loss mean for the Golden State Warriors’ season?
The Warriors’ 1-1 road record raises questions about their ability to win away from Chase Center. With Klay Thompson still recovering, their spacing suffers. Stephen Curry can’t carry them alone. If they can’t fix their defense and bench scoring, they risk falling out of the top four in the West — and facing tougher playoff matchups.
When is the next game for the Bucks and Warriors?
The Bucks host the Orlando Magic on November 2, 2025, at Fiserv Forum. The Warriors travel to face the Phoenix Suns on November 3, 2025. Both teams have back-to-back games in early November, making rest and rotation management critical.
How does this game compare to past Bucks wins without Antetokounmpo?
This was Milwaukee’s largest win without Antetokounmpo since 2022, when they beat the Nets 118-105. But unlike that game, where they relied on Khris Middleton, this win was driven by Lillard and the bench — a new dynamic. It’s the first time since 2021 that Milwaukee has won by double digits without their MVP and without Middleton playing.
YO. Lillard just turned into Michael Jordan in a Bucks jersey and nobody saw it coming. That fourth quarter? Pure ice in his veins. This isn’t just a win - it’s a franchise-changing moment.
Finally! A team that doesn’t need a 7-foot alien to win. Africa is watching and we’re proud. Nigeria’s got talent too - imagine if we had this kind of depth? 😤
bro the bench outscored the warriors’ bench by 28 points?? like… that’s not a coincidence. that’s a system. someone wake up the other 29 teams.
It’s funny how we always assume a team is only as good as its star… until they prove otherwise. This win feels like the quiet beginning of something bigger. Not just a team that can win without Giannis - but one that’s learned how to play together. That’s rare.
Don’t be fooled. This is a fluke. Lillard is a great player, but he’s not elite without Antetokounmpo drawing double teams. The Warriors were tired from back-to-backs. This win means nothing in the long run.
Perimeter efficiency increased 22% when Lillard initiated pick-and-roll vs. Giannis isolation plays. Bench net rating +18.4. Defensive rotations improved 31% in third quarter. This isn’t narrative - it’s data-driven evolution.
honestly tho i just love when teams prove theyre more than one person. no drama. no hype. just basketball.
Warriors fans crying in their beanies again? Lillard didn’t even break a sweat. Curry looked like he forgot how to shoot. Pathetic.
This victory exemplifies the critical importance of roster depth and strategic offensive diversification. The Bucks have transitioned from a singular-star model to a synergistic ecosystem - a hallmark of championship-caliber franchises. Well-executed.
South Africa needs this kind of team culture. We got talent but we keep waiting for one guy to save us. No more. We need to build systems like this.
👏👏👏 this is why we love basketball. not the stars. the system. the growth. the unselfishness. keep going bucks 🙌
That bench was a symphony - Alexander’s floaters, Portis’s rim attacks, Prince’s catch-and-shoot. This isn’t just depth, it’s cultural cohesion. You can’t draft that. You build it.
Let’s be real - if this was the Lakers, everyone would be calling it a miracle. But because it’s Milwaukee? They’re just ‘deep.’ Double standards. And it’s annoying.
lol they won without giannis… big deal. they still lost to the wizards last year. this is just a warmup.
the warriors looked like they forgot how to play defense. and lillard? man… he’s just chillin. like this was a pick up game at the park.
They didn’t win because of Lillard. They won because the league rigged the schedule. Antetokounmpo’s injury was convenient. The Warriors were set up to lose. Don’t believe the narrative.
Warriors fans still think Curry is magic. He’s not. He’s one guy with a nice jumper. This team needs more than that. And so do we.
Interesting how the narrative shifted from ‘Giannis is essential’ to ‘Lillard is the new cornerstone.’ But is that accurate? Or are we just projecting because Lillard’s a flashy name? The real test comes when both are healthy and the team has to balance roles.