"He's a Warrior after this season": NBA fans believe Giannis Antetokounmpo will exit Bucks after ugly loss to Grizzlies

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks' rough start to the season continued with a crushing 23-point loss to an injury-depleted Memphis Grizzlies team on Thursday night, marking their fourth straight defeat. Despite Antetokounmpo’s strong individual performance, fans are beginning to speculate about his future with the team.

The “Greek Freak” played 33 minutes, scoring 37 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and adding four assists on an efficient 17-for-22 shooting from the floor. Only two other Bucks players scored in double figures: Brook Lopez with 12 and Bobby Portis with 11. Meanwhile, Damian Lillard struggled, shooting just 1-for-12 in 33 minutes and finishing with four points and six assists.

Fans on X (formerly Twitter) voiced their belief that Giannis Antetokounmpo may be nearing the end of his time in Milwaukee.

“He’s a warrior after this season,” one said.

“Free Giannis,” another said.

“Laker soon,” another added.

Some fans expressed frustration with the Bucks’ performance, feeling the team isn’t doing enough for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“Trade giannis he deserves better than this,” one said.

“He gotta go to a team like the Grizzlies ngl,” another added.

Others critiqued the Bucks’ supporting cast.

“He thought he could count on dame,” one said.

“So Giannis just has no help,” another added.

Up next for the Bucks are two straight games against the currently unbeaten Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday and Monday.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's Bucks drop fourth straight game

The Milwaukee Bucks’ fourth consecutive loss came after their season-opening win over the Philadelphia 76ers, who were missing Joel Embiid and Paul George. Since then, the Bucks have suffered double-digit defeats to the Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics and most recently, the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Bucks shot 42.7% for the game, compared to 52.4% by the Grizzlies, who also outrebounded Milwaukee 62-46.

While the Bucks were without Khris Middleton, the Grizzlies were dealing with significant injuries of their own, missing players such as Vince Williams Jr., GG Jackson, Marcus Smart, Cam Spencer, Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard.

With two of their starters out, Memphis gave starting roles to Santi Aldama and Jaylen Wells, who made the most of their opportunity, scoring 19 and 16 points, respectively, in the lopsided victory.

Ja Morant recorded a triple-double with 26 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey combined for 23 points and 13 rebounds.

Off the bench, Scotty Pippen Jr. contributed 16 points, while Jake LaRavia added 11 points and 10 rebounds.