The Bucks successfully tipped off their new campaign with a statement win against the Wizards, 133-120. And Giannis Antetokounmpo opened his account with no less than a monstrous showing: 37 points and 14 rebounds! Clips of a certain poster dunk were blowing up on social media. But even when it looked like the night could take a scary turn, the Greek Freak managed to get back up like he has always done.

During the game, Giannis appeared to sustain a wrist injury because of a hard fall, but afterward, he dismissed any worries. The two-time MVP assured reporters, “I feel great, I feel great,” when asked about the incident.

That was the tone tonight for the Bucks. The Milwaukee team moved the ball effectively, sinking five of their first six attempts from beyond the arc, and maintained a double-digit cushion for most of the game. Myles Turner dropped an effective 11 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks on debut. Former Buck and Milwaukee legend Khris Middleton led the Wizards with 23 points, but the Washington side struggled to slow down the Bucks’ transition attack.

Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s biggest vote of confidence, however, came after the final buzzer. He spoke to the media like a true leader. Somebody who wanted to win. The Greek Freak talked about the team’s strategy and turned the spotlight on his teammates.

“If you’re wide open … shoot it every single time,” Giannis said. “Even if you miss, shoot it again. I think they know me as a leader. Once I swing the ball and guys are wide open and they don’t shoot, I kind of get upset because that’s a good shot.”

This wasn’t criticism, but trust. Giannis clarified that he wanted his teammates, especially the new ones, to play without hesitation. “Whenever you’re open, shoot the ball because it makes the game easier for me,” the vet explained. “When I have the ball or when… has the ball, and we try to make a play happen, they’re not going to help because they know that the moment the ball is swung, the guy that gets the ball is going to shoot the ball.”

The Bucks’ 40.9% accuracy clip from downtown today ties in with what HC Doc Rivers wants his players to do. Shoot. The team was first last season in 3-point percentage (.387), but ranked 18th in long-range attempts. So, it seems pretty clear what Rivers told his players across the offseason.

Giannis admitted that building chemistry with Turner, a longtime division rival and regular playoff opponent with the Pacers, would take time. “Six months ago, he hated me… I didn’t like him either,” the Greek Freak joked. “But he’s a high-character guy, he’s an incredible leader. He takes feedback, I take feedback… It’s a matter of time.” That honesty, a mix of humility and humor, showcases Giannis’ role as a vocal leader for his team while striking a balance between accountability and patience.

Giannis Antetokounmpo urges his teammates to follow one key principle besides shooting

Giannis Antetokounmpo emphasized the importance of communication in the locker room as the Milwaukee Bucks seek to establish early momentum in the season. “Just got to keep communicating to one another,” he said, showcasing his approach with both vets and new additions like Myles Turner.

“Me and the whole team, me and Cole Anthony, me and Ryan, the whole group together, how can we keep on building this chemistry,” he reflected. The forward’s comments highlight how he ensures everyone is aligned as the team navigates the challenges of integrating new elements.

Giannis, a 12-year veteran, stressed the value of patience and leading without pressure. “From my experience, I’ve been for more than a decade in the league, and I try not to, like, put pressure or talk about it,” he explained. He added that building gradual cohesion and trust as the season continues will yield consistent performance. He also highlighted the importance of giving teammates the space to develop chemistry organically.

Beyond just communication, Giannis laid out his expectations for the team’s mentality. “We have some games on the road now, we just have to keep on being together, keep on hunting, all this year, go out there and try to demand. Go out there and try to make things happen. Don’t expect nothing. Nothing’s going to be given to us.”

His words will serve as a roadmap for the Bucks, especially in their upcoming matchup against the Raptors on the 24th. Setting the tone early will emphasize to his teammates that effort, focus, and initiative are non-negotiable standards moving forward, especially with Kevin Porter Jr. likely out due to injury.