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What led to the Bucks decision to waive Damian Lillard?

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski discusses what led to the Bucks decision to waive Damian Lillard, enabling them to sign Myles Turner.

After carrying Greece to the bronze medal in the FIBA Eurobasket, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis  Antetokounmpo called his country’s third-place finish in the 24-team European tournament “probably the greatest accomplishment in my life.” 

In Greece’s 92-89 victory over Finland Sept. 14. Antetokounmpo scored 30 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and had six assists in 31 minutes. After the game, Giannis posted a photo on social media with his brothers Thanasis and Kostas wearing their bronze medals.

Giannis shot an astounding 68.5% from the field in the tournament, averaging more than 27 points a game.

Though it’s a third-place finish for Greece, Giannis explained why this accomplishment is different from any other in his basketball career.

“When you win the MVP, my mom is happy, my brother is happy, my agent might be happy. It is what it is. But when you win the medal, 12–13 million people are happy. I’ve never given that feeling before.”

— Giannis after winning bronze with Greece pic.twitter.com/PPUt62wj8h

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) September 14, 2025

Here is additional social media reaction on Giannis leading Greece to the bronze medal:

Dennis Schroder: “Me and Giannis we do exactly the same thing for Greece and Germany. On the NBA he is on another level, one of the best players in the world. Nothing but respect for him”. pic.twitter.com/Uw0B5dSrWN

— Vasiliki Karamouza (@karamouza_vas) September 14, 2025

Giannis in the 2025 EuroBasket:

– 27.3 PPG (2nd in tournament)
– 10.6 RPG (3rd in tournament)
– 68.5% FG (1st in tournament)

BROUGHT GREECE TO THE PODIUM FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 16 YEARS 🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/oOBajKY3h3

— Bucks Lead (@BucksLead) September 14, 2025

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the first player over the last 30 years combining for 30+ points, 15+ rebounds and 5+ assists in a EuroBasket game.

— Karol Sliwa (@Karol__Sliwa) September 14, 2025

Giannis wasn’t going to let Greece lose today: 30 pts, 17 reb, 6 ast, 2 blocks and the final 5 points to clinch Greece’s first medal in 16 years. Congrats to Giannis, Thanasis, Kostas and Greeks everywhere! pic.twitter.com/fiJLOsxwEo

— Frank Madden (@fmaddenNBA) September 14, 2025