Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t just show up to the All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday night-he showed up locked in, dialed up, and all about the W. At the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the Bucks’ franchise cornerstone brought his trademark intensity to a lighter stage, leading Team Giannis to a 65-58 win over Team Anthony in a game that was surprisingly competitive from start to finish.
Yes, it was the Celebrity Game. Yes, the sidelines were full of laughs, banter, and even a little trolling-Giannis couldn’t resist poking fun at NBA insider Shams Charania-but when it came time to close, the Greek Freak flipped the switch.
That fourth-quarter push? All business.
And it was clear from his postgame comments that even in an exhibition setting, Giannis doesn’t know how to coast.
“I just enjoy winning,” he said, plain and simple. That’s the mindset of a two-time MVP who’s built his career on effort, focus, and a relentless drive to compete.
But he also acknowledged the challenge of coaching in a game like this. “It was hard, making the substitutions.
Not everybody’s gonna play, but I think everybody did a good job-just playing hard, and playing to win.”
Giannis wasn’t flying solo on the sidelines, either. He turned the event into a family affair, sharing coaching duties with brothers Thanasis and Alex Antetokounmpo, both of whom are also with the Milwaukee Bucks. That trio brought a blend of energy and charisma to the bench, and they weren’t alone-Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts joined them as part of the coaching staff, adding a little cross-sport star power to the mix.
While Giannis brought the fire, it was actor Rome Flynn who stole the show on the stat sheet. Flynn earned MVP honors for the second year in a row, dropping 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including three from deep. He played with confidence and rhythm, showing why he’s become a staple of this annual showcase.
For Giannis, this weekend offered a brief but welcome break from the noise surrounding him lately. With trade rumors swirling and the Bucks navigating a tough stretch of their season, stepping into a different role-even just for a night-was a chance to reset. And while he wasn’t in uniform, his competitive spirit was unmistakable.
He’s still in Milwaukee. And if you’re a Bucks fan, his postgame comments-short, direct, and focused on winning-should serve as a reminder of what kind of leader you’ve got in your corner. Even in a celebrity game, Giannis Antetokounmpo plays to win.