Giannis Antetokounmpo is the main hero in Milwaukee Bucks’ comeback win over the New York Knicks and according to critics, he will need to be every bit of a superhero to achieve playoff glory this season given how he does not have a Robin to his Batman anymore. Ryan Rollins might want something to say about being a sidekick.
The 23-year-old had his best game so far in his young career after helping the Greek Freak in lifting the Bucks from being down 12 at the half. He scored 25 points in the night and played great defense against Knicks’ best scorer Jalen Brunson.
Rollins, who signed a three-year, $12 million contract extension last July, is now the team’s starting point guard, a role he also assumed last season when Damian Lillard went down on injury for a long time.
He is emerging as a serviceable role player on both ends of the floor and he got the stats to back it up.
Giannis Antetokounmpo tonight:
• 37 points
• 8 rebounds
• 7 assists
• 16-22 FGRyan Rollins tonight:
• 25 points
• 4 assists
• 4 steals
• 8-11 FG
• 4-4 3PMY DEMONS. pic.twitter.com/jPjHfZwtvD
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) October 29, 2025
Bucks University Grades (10/28 vs NYK)
Giannis Antetokounmpo: A
Ryan Rollins: A
Kyle Kuzma: B+
Myles Turner: B
AJ Green: B-
Gary Trent Jr: B-
Amir Coffey: C+
Cole Anthony: C
Taurean Prince: C
Bobby Portis: C-— Bucks University Podcast (@BucksU_Pod) October 29, 2025
His one-on-one defense should not go unnoticed.
Lowest opponent FG% as the closest defender this szn (min. 35 FGA defended):
29.7% – Wemby
31.0% – Anfernee Simons
31.8% – Ryan Rollins
32.0% – Jaylen Brown
33.8% – Donovan Clingan
33.9% – Stephon Castle
34.3% – Giddey
35.1% – Ayton
35.1% – Kon Kneuppel
35.1% – AJ Green pic.twitter.com/lNyt9gziM2— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) October 28, 2025
How about Ryan Rollins?
I love an underdog story, and Rollins has been fun to root for
He’s undersized and has had a long, winding path to where he’s at now
But in year-4, he’s got the biggest opportunity he’s ever had and is not letting it slip away pic.twitter.com/U9sZGKpKZB
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) October 29, 2025
Ryan Rollins is getting lessons from Rajon Rondo
Rollins is growing into a two-way player and that should not be a surprise as according to Giannis, he is working closely with one of the best two-way PGs in NBA history – Rajon Rondo.
The two-time NBA champion has been on the Bucks bench since last season, working with his former coach with the Boston Celtics Doc Rivers.
Antetokoummpo said he seems himself in Rollins when he was also a 23-year-old based on his desire to get better. He said that Rollins showed drive to improve when they lost to the Cavs last Sunday as he saw him talk to Rondo during practice for hours.
“That’s important. That’s why you see it translate to the game,” he said.
“He’s a very very hard worker, he plays hard, he loves the challenge i think he has a great competitive spirit, but at the same time he’s a student of the game.”
He also advised him to make the most out of his opportunity to be mentored by Rondo who he described as a Hall of Famer.
“He’s learning from the best. . . Not a lot of people have the opportunity to be with Rondo every single day and pick his brain. So, take advantage. He’s taking advantage of that.”
Rollins is taking to heart the practices so far. He is currently averaging 15 points per game, scoring in double digits in the last three after having just nine points in the opening night when Kevin Porter Jr, was the starting PG.
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