After 15 consecutive games of missing NBA games, Giannis Antetokounmpo finally made his return on Monday when the Milwaukee Bucks took on the Boston Celtics. But unfortunately, the Celtics spoiled it as they obliterated them, 108-81.
While the narrative was that Antetokounmpo’s return should help the Bucks climb back into the postseason picture, it seems the story remains the same as Milwaukee continues its struggle to climb the Eastern Conference ladder. And the NBA world had a lot to say after witnessing a humiliating loss.
NBA World in Shambles After Giannis Antetokounmpo Fails to Lead Bucks to Victory
While the Celtics are the better team on paper, being the second-placed team in the Eastern Conference, they headed into Monday’s game without their star player, Jaylen Brown.
Having that in mind, the Bucks should’ve had the advantage with a healthy Antetokounmpo by their side. Despite having the Greek star in the lineup, it seems that court rust was in the way. Antetokounmpo posted 19 points and 11 rebounds. While it’s still a solid double-double performance, it’s not up to par with his usual production.
Regardless of how Antetokounmpo performed, the expectation was that the Bucks should’ve taken advantage of Brown’s absence and beaten the Celtics to build momentum in the second half of the season.
The NBA world couldn’t help but express its thoughts on the Bucks’ loss on social media:
Sean Grande wrote: “Another ridiculous road blowout win for the Celtics. 5th game in 7 nights, late night back-to-back and they blast the Giannis Bucks, 108-81. Boston up two games on NY for 2nd in the East.”
Another ridiculous road blowout win for the Celtics.
5th game in 7 nights, late night back-to-back and they blast the Giannis Bucks, 108-81. Boston up two games on NY for 2nd in the East.
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) March 3, 2026
Esfandiar Baraheni wrote: “Giannis comes back and the Bucks get absolutely smoked by a Celtics team without Jaylen Brown and Queta. WOOF.”
Giannis comes back and the Bucks get absolutely smoked by a Celtics team without Jaylen Brown and Queta.
WOOF.
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) March 3, 2026
Noa Dalzell wrote: “The Celtics are 41-20 after this 108-91 win over the Bucks. Thinking back to when I got slandered for my 45-win prediction 😭”
The Celtics are 41-20 after this 108-91 win over the Bucks
Thinking back to when I got slandered for my 45-win prediction 😭
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) March 3, 2026
NBA Memes wrote: “No Jaylen Brown tonight. Giannis is back playing. Bucks still down 20 to the Celtics.”
No Jaylen Brown tonight
Giannis is back playing
Bucks still down 20 to the Celticspic.twitter.com/adJOBhiBAF— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) March 3, 2026
Dan Greenberg wrote: “Apologies for the absence. Had some stuff that required my attention. Now… *clears throat* WELCOME BACK GIANNIS. HOPE YOU ENJOYED THAT BELT. HUGO IS THE BEST ROOKIE IN THIS CLASS. JOE MAZZULLA IS THE GREATEST COACH ON EARTH. THIS TEAM F**KS”
Apologies for the absence. Had some stuff that required my attention. Now…
*clears throat*
WELCOME BACK GIANNIS. HOPE YOU ENJOYED THAT BELT. HUGO IS THE BEST ROOKIE IN THIS CLASS. JOE MAZZULLA IS THE GREATEST COACH ON EARTH. THIS TEAM FUCKS
HIT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/bcGyoYhZHX
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) March 3, 2026
After what happened on Monday, NBA analyst Tim MacMahon might be right about the Bucks focusing their attention on tanking rather than trying to fight for a playoff spot this season.
