MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 18,000 fans in the stands and one on the opposing bench.
Monday's game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Dallas Mavericks was an impromptu reunion for brothers Giannis and Kostas Antetokounmpo, one of them likely to be announced later this week as a captain for the All-Star Game and the other still looking for his NBA debut. Kostas Antetokounmpo accompanied Dallas on its road trip, but his only on-court action came during warmups.
They left the arena together, alongside their mother.
"I wish I'd played against him," Giannis Antetokounmpo said. "But those few moments that we spent before the game and during the game and after the game, they were amazing."
So it didn't happen Monday, but an Antetokounmpo vs. Antetokounmpo matchup probably will happen eventually.
A few years from now, there might be plenty of options for the family to choose from.
Eldest brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo appeared in two games with New York three years ago, neither of those against Milwaukee. Kostas Antetokounmpo has yet to make his debut, but Dallas likes the way he's progressing. Giannis Antetokounmpo should be a star for many years to come. And both Kostas and Giannis have said that Alex — a high schooler who is just 17 years old — might have the most talent of them all.
Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle indicated that Kostas Antetokounmpo, who is on a two-way contract with the Texas Legends of the G League, is getting closer to NBA minutes.
"He needs to develop that consistent motor," Carlisle said. "His brother is a great example of that. Kostas has made significant improvements, particularly over the last few weeks, and that's one of the reasons he's on this trip. He's earned it."
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 31 points, and Milwaukee beat Dallas 116-106.
