### Milwaukee Bucks' Rollercoaster Start: Giannis Shines Amidst Recent Heartbreak The Milwaukee Bucks have had a tumultuous start to the new year, highlighted by a thrilling game-winning play from Giannis Antetokounmpo and a heartbreaking loss just days prior. On January 3, 2026, Antetokounmpo scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, leading the Bucks to a narrow 122-121 victory over the Charlotte Hornets with a spectacular alley-oop in the final moments of the game [https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/watch-giannis-antetokounmpo-throw-down-game-winning-alley-oop-bucks-top-hornets-122-121]. This win was crucial for the Bucks, especially after suffering a close defeat to the Washington Wizards just two days earlier, where C.J. McCollum's last-second jumper secured a 114-113 victory for the Wizards [https://www.tsn.ca/nba/article/mccollums-jumper-in-final-seconds-leads-wizards-to-win-over-bucks]. ### Breakdown of Recent Bucks Games 1. **Game Against the Wizards (January 1, 2026)** - C.J. McCollum hit a go-ahead jumper with just one second left, sealing a dramatic win for the Wizards [https://www.wildcatsradio1290.com/2025/12/31/cj-mccollum-nets-jumper-with-1-2-seconds-left-as-wizards-nip-bucks]. - The Bucks were leading 113-110 before McCollum's late-game heroics, marking a disappointing end to 2025 for Milwaukee [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/milwaukee-bucks-injury-report-giannis-215356916.html]. 2. **Game Against the Hornets (January 3, 2026)** - Antetokounmpo's performance was pivotal, as he not only scored 30 points but also contributed significantly on the boards with 10 rebounds [https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/watch-giannis-antetokounmpo-throw-down-game-winning-alley-oop-bucks-top-hornets-122-121]. - The Bucks managed to avoid a second consecutive loss, showcasing resilience and skill in a tightly contested match. ### Key Performance Metrics - **Giannis Antetokounmpo's Stats (January 3, 2026)** - Points: **30** - Rebounds: **10** - Game-winning play: Alley-oop in the final seconds [https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/watch-giannis-antetokounmpo-throw-down-game-winning-alley-oop-bucks-top-hornets-122-121]. - **C.J. McCollum's Stats (January 1, 2026)** - Points: **Game-winning jumper with 1 second left** - Final score: Wizards **114**, Bucks **113** [https://www.tsn.ca/nba/article/mccollums-jumper-in-final-seconds-leads-wizards-to-win-over-bucks]. ### Summary of Recent Events 1. **Bucks' Loss to Wizards** - The Bucks faced a tough defeat against the Wizards, with McCollum's last-second shot proving decisive. - This loss highlighted vulnerabilities in the Bucks' late-game execution. 2. **Bucks' Victory Over Hornets** - Giannis Antetokounmpo's stellar performance led the Bucks to a much-needed victory, showcasing their potential to bounce back. - The alley-oop finish not only secured the win but also reinstated confidence in the team's capabilities. In conclusion, the Milwaukee Bucks have experienced a dramatic start to the year, with a mix of disappointment and triumph. **Giannis Antetokounmpo's leadership and performance are crucial as the team navigates through these ups and downs, aiming for consistency and success in the upcoming games.**