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Victor Wembanyama vs. Giannis Duel Mesmerizes NBA Fans as Spurs Beat Dame, Bucks

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIFebruary 1, 2025

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 08: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum on January 08, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

A duel between two superstars—the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama and the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo—ended in favor of the former player on Friday evening.

Wembanyama posted 30 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks in a 144-118 home win. He led six Spurs in double-digit scoring, including Keldon Johnson with 24 points off the bench. Rookie Stephen Castle also continued his torrid stretch with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Wembanyama, who just made his first NBA All-Star Game, was sensational here on both ends.

SportsCenter @SportsCenter

WEMBY WITH BACK-TO-BACK BLOCKS ON GIANNIS 👽 <a href="https://t.co/iBN2S2ZoZP">pic.twitter.com/iBN2S2ZoZP</a>

SportsCenter @SportsCenter

Wemby is UNREAL 😱 <a href="https://t.co/CA7eUofh6v">pic.twitter.com/CA7eUofh6v</a>

San Antonio Spurs @spurs

ONE-LEGGED THREE 😱 <a href="https://t.co/8F6yvNQ7GK">pic.twitter.com/8F6yvNQ7GK</a>

San Antonio Spurs @spurs

THROW IT DOWN‼️ <a href="https://t.co/hxC6OTJQDW">pic.twitter.com/hxC6OTJQDW</a>

Antetokounmpo did all he could with 35 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Giannis was great in his own right, getting the best of Wemby at times.

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks

Giannis powers his way for the dunk. 💪 <a href="https://t.co/vnrA4yzuSC">pic.twitter.com/vnrA4yzuSC</a>

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks

Giannis baseline fade over Wemby. <a href="https://t.co/7ZilPVpHxq">pic.twitter.com/7ZilPVpHxq</a>

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks

Giannis with the forceful flush. <a href="https://t.co/L0B9JiX5Hy">pic.twitter.com/L0B9JiX5Hy</a>

He did more than enough to win and was flanked by Damian Lillard (22 points) and Khris Middleton (21 off the bench). However, every other Buck combined for just 40 points. Milwaukee's defense also allowed San Antonio to (a) make 24-of-50 three-pointers and (b) outscore the Bucks by 27 points in the second half.

Ultimately, fans loved watching Wemby and Giannis battle.

Mark Jackson's Burner @casualtakeking

I've never seen Giannis treated like this with all due respect. <br><br>Wemby is special <a href="https://t.co/s3hCzsjNC2">pic.twitter.com/s3hCzsjNC2</a>

𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘢☆ @Stunna999_

Wemby went band for band w Giannis , we good for the next generation ya boys <a href="https://t.co/mYc5pMpnMA">pic.twitter.com/mYc5pMpnMA</a>

Nathan Marzion @nathanmarzion

I love how seriously Giannis takes the matchup vs Wemby. This type of competitiveness is what the NBA needs

🥤 @34for2

Giannis vs Wemby should be a mandatory national TV game… EVERY TIME

Mo Mooncey @TheHoopGenius

Spurs Bucks <br><br>Wemby Giannis <a href="https://t.co/7890sEYY91">pic.twitter.com/7890sEYY91</a>

Shank @21pt0TheShank

Wemby got those back2back blocks on Giannis <br><br>Giannis retaliated &amp; got a monster dunk a Wemby <br><br>Wemby then proceeded to put on a highlight reel for the ages &amp; got the W <a href="https://t.co/x0kTm1j9mF">pic.twitter.com/x0kTm1j9mF</a>

Johnson Jackson Green @AJBurner_

Giannis when he plays against wemby <a href="https://t.co/qn9As5DLQH">pic.twitter.com/qn9As5DLQH</a>

Jake Weinbach @JWeinbachNBA

Giannis vs. Wemby is always one of the most entertaining matchups to watch. 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/JEQxrBkt7M">pic.twitter.com/JEQxrBkt7M</a>

SportsCenter @SportsCenter

WEMBY AND THE SPURS GET THE BEST OF GIANNIS AND THE BUCKS 👽<br><br>WHAT A BATTLE ⚔️ <a href="https://t.co/n1tXWZZPf6">pic.twitter.com/n1tXWZZPf6</a>

💎 @BrodieHiiroller

Wemby really goes head to head with Giannis already lmao gg's man

Sonu Yadav @SonuYadav02S

What a game – Wemby outplayed Giannis with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks! Giannis still scored 35 points, but Wemby's Spurs took the win 144-118.¹ The battle between these two superstars was epic – I'm still reeling from the excitement! 💥

cult hero @draegnchu

Wemby v Giannis is always an experience

Barring an unlikely NBA Finals matchup, this marks the last time the Bucks and Spurs will meet this year, with Friday marking the second of their two-game regular season series. However, Wemby vs. Giannis should be appointment viewing for all future years as these two titans do battle.