After the Milwaukee Bucks’ narrow 135–133 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night, Giannis Antetokounmpo walked into his postgame media session with a noticeable black eye. Naturally, reporters were curious about the mark, assuming it came from an on-court collision during the physical game that featured plenty of scrapping between the Bucks and Kings. But when Giannis finally explained the real story, the entire room burst into laughter.
“Actually, I was in Pick ’n Save. So while I was checking out my groceries, there was this guy about to snatch a purse from a lady. I was like, ‘Hey man, what are you doing? Stop!’ So I went and grabbed him, and he kind of turned and elbowed me in the eye.”
“But then I grabbed him, put him on the floor, took the purse, gave it to the lady, and then the lady was safe. I paid for her groceries too because she was in shock. You know, the police came and took the guy. After that, I just went home, did some treatment, and took a nap.”
Your friendly neighborhood Giannis. 😂 pic.twitter.com/q5gk6zfTqY
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 2, 2025
With a straight face and a calm tone, Giannis delivered the story like it was a normal part of his day. The room erupted in laughter, and even the Bucks’ social media team leaned into the moment, posting the clip with the caption: “Your friendly neighborhood Giannis.”
Of course, it’s unclear whether the story was entirely true or just a trademark Giannis joke, a lighthearted attempt to defuse questions about a physical mark after a frustrating loss. But that’s part of what makes the Greek Freak one of the NBA’s most beloved personalities. His sense of humor, humility, and grounded approach have always set him apart from other superstars.
The light moment came after a tough night for the Bucks. Despite Giannis’ 26 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, Milwaukee couldn’t close out the Kings at home, falling to 4–2 on the season. The game was tense from start to finish, with Sacramento’s trio of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis combining for 84 points.
The Bucks had a late chance to tie, but A.J. Green missed his final free throw, and Sacramento held on for its first win in Milwaukee since 2015.
Even in defeat, Giannis managed to keep spirits high.
But humor aside, his reputation for kindness is very real. Giannis has long been one of the NBA’s most active community figures. Earlier this year, he earned the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award after hosting Christmas and Thanksgiving events for local families in Milwaukee. He also funds annual youth programs and regularly visits shelters and Boys & Girls Clubs, often without media attention.
For Giannis, the playful story was another reminder of how he balances superstardom with humanity. He might dominate on the court, but off it, he remains the same humble, good-natured person Milwaukee fell in love with years ago.
Even when the Bucks lose, Giannis finds a way to win hearts.
