Bucks Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez Exit Pelicans Game in Third Quarter

Nine-time All-Star Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and three-time All-Defensive Team center Brook Lopez quietly departed the team's ongoing home game against the New Orleans Pelicans late into the third quarter.

Local FanDuel Wisconsin broadcast cameras captured their exit, though no explanation was given.

Ok, there it is:

Giannis Antetokounmpo *and* Brook Lopez are leaving, heading towards the locker room during the free throw seance by Pels.

Possibly tied into this game “not mattering” anymore as the playoff-seeding cannot be won or lost tonight.

Likely? Their nights are done.
— Ben Sig (@sig_50) April 11, 2025

Milwaukee currently leads the Pelicans' JV team by double digits, 100-85, at the end of the third period.

Antetokounmpo and Lopez have yet to return to Milwaukee's bench.

After the Indiana Pacers bested the Cleveland Cavaliers to improve their record on the year to 49-31, Milwaukee has officially been knocked out of the race for homecourt advantage in the Eastern Conference, and will finish as either the No. 5 or No. 6 seed.

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In just 25:34 of action, Antetokounmpo has logged a Bucks-most 28 points on 11-of-17 shooting from the field (1-of-2 from distance) and 5-of-10 shooting from the foul line, 11 rebounds, five assists and a block in 25:34.

He may have notched yet another triple-double had been permitted to play his standard minutes. In 23:04 of action, Lopez finishes with three points on 1-of-5 shooting rom the floor, a rebound and a block.

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With a game scheduled for tomorrow the Pistons, it's clear that Bucks head coach Doc Rivers wants to rest his star players — although having them depart the game for the locker room and presumably shower and change during that game is a bit unorthodox. Typically a coach will just bench his top players in these situations.

UPDATE:

Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports that, according to the Bucks' public relations team, the decision to send Antetokounmpo and Lopez out of the game and into the team locker was a Rivers dictum.

Per Bucks PR, it's a coach's decision on Antetokounmpo and Lopez. https://t.co/vxa5bicuNy
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) April 11, 2025

Now deep into the fourth quarter, the Bucks are well on their way to winning their matchup. It will mark their sixth consecutive victory, and will improve their season record to 46-34.

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For more news and notes on the Milwaukee Bucks, visit Milwaukee Bucks on SI.