Giannis Antetokounmpo rests as Ryan Rollins powers Bucks to victory

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out Thursday’s 120-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors due to left knee soreness. Although listed as probable earlier in the day, the two-time MVP was ruled out roughly an hour before tipoff after testing his knee during pregame warmups. Head coach Doc Rivers did not provide an update following the game, but Antetokounmpo appeared in good spirits, joking with teammates in the locker room. This marked his first missed game of the season, despite his frequent appearance on the injury report.

Even without Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 36.3 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists on an impressive 69.5% shooting, the Bucks maintained their strong start to the season. Eight players scored in double figures as Milwaukee improved to 4-1. Leading the charge was point guard Ryan Rollins, who recorded a career-high 32 points — his second straight game setting a personal best, after scoring 25 against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.

Rollins credited the team’s depth and chemistry for their ability to perform without their superstar. “We realized early in training camp that we’ve got a lot of guys who can score, play hard, and play the right way,” he said. “Everybody’s going to have a chance to eat — that’s been our motto since the start. Every night, it’s going to be somebody’s turn.”