Giannis says he'll take backlash for doing a windmill when the game was over against Chicago

Once again, two NBA teams almost came to blows after one broke the so-called “unwritten rule” of respecting the opponent by letting time run out instead of going for an unnecessary basket with the outcome of the game already decided.

On Saturday night, it was Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo who drew the ire of the entire Chicago Bulls team after he ran to their basket to complete a windmill dunk instead of just wasting the final seconds of the game. Both teams entered the court and players ended up shoving each other. Luckily, cooler heads prevailed and no punches were thrown.

But Antetokounmpo didn’t give a damn.

“We’re 11th in the East,” Antetokounmpo said after the game. “Got to keep finding an identity. And if that’s to get a little bit of scrappy at the end, so be it. We’re not champs. Why should we play the clock out and have respect and fair play? We’re fighting for our lives right now.”

Giannis says the Bucks need to get their hands dirty

At 13-19 after beating the Bulls, the Bucks are just 11th in their conference, 1.5 games off the 10th and final play-in tournament spot and 4.5 games behind 6th place and an outright playoff entry. With plenty of ground to make up, it’s not hard to understand Giannis’ frustration. It was also his first game back after missing eight games and with his team going 2-6 in his absence, you can understand his anger.

However, the Bucks were already ahead, 110-103 and the Bulls were no longer playing defense when he got the ball. But instead of holding on to the basketball, he streaked to their side of the court and unloaded his emotions on the basket – with a windmill dunk. The Bulls felt it was disrespectful. Antetokounmpo said he didn’t care, as long as it awakened his teammates and brought back their emotions.

“This is real tough. I’ve been 13 years in the league. If we keep on losing, probably half of the team is not going to be here. We’re not going to make the playoffs. I really don’t care. At the end of the day, I just want to be available, be healthy and help my team win. And if [a windmill dunk] is what has to happen for everybody to wake up and understand, we’re fighting for our lives and we got to get our hands dirty, so be it,” he added.

PG called unwritten rules stupid

Three years ago, Zion Williamson was also involved in a similar incident, when he threw down a 360 dunk against the Phoenix Suns, in a game where the New Orleans Pelicans already had a sure win. Williamson drew flak, but Paul George defended him against the so-called “unwritten rules” of the game.

“I think all of ’em are stupid,”said PG. “I think it’s stupid that you wouldn’t take a shot [at the end of the quarter] because you’re worried about your percentage. Give me the ball every time; I’ll launch that motherf—r from half-court. I love those moments. And then people getting mad for scoring at the end before the game’s over. They get mad about it…The Zion situation, the fans came for a show. Put on a fu—kin’ show for them.”

Williamson admitted he got carried away because he watched the Suns eliminate his team the previous season while he was out with an injury. He still ended up apologizing. But Giannis sounded like he wants smoke. Hopefully, his message struck his teammates to their core because they need that fire right now.

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Giannis says he’ll take backlash for doing a windmill when the game was over against Chicago

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