In the NBA, there is a long-standing unwritten rule known as “dribble it out,” which refers to running out the final seconds by simply dribbling the ball once a game’s result is no longer in doubt. The practice is typically seen as a sign of sportsmanship when a victory is already secured.
However, that convention was ignored on Saturday when the Milwaukee Bucks faced the Chicago Bulls. When the outcome essentially sealed, Giannis Antetokounmpo stunned the crowd by throwing down a powerful windmill dunk with just two seconds remaining.
A recent report surfaced stating that the Bulls had no interest in pursuing a trade for Giannis. Following the game, Bulls center Nikola Vucevic reacted to the dunk with a lighthearted comment, poking fun at the trade rumors surrounding the Bucks star.
“I’m assuming Giannis was mad about that report that came out the Bulls didn’t want to trade for him,” Vucevic said.
Vooch on the post-game scuffle: “I’m assuming Giannis was mad about that report that came out the Bulls didn’t want to trade for him.” pic.twitter.com/D1hfj52OM0
— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) December 28, 2025
Bulls guard Coby White also weighed in after the game. White offered a more critical take on Giannis’ decision to dunk in the closing seconds
“He shouldn’t have dunked the ball,” White said. It’s disrespectful to the game. I said, ‘Bro, you’re better than that.’ The game is over with. Why you gotta do that? It’s a respect thing.”
Despite the controversy, the Bucks closed out a 112–103 win at the United Center. In his return after missing eight games due to injury, Giannis finished with 29 points and eight rebounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Explains His Mindset for the Windmill Dunk
After the game, Giannis Antetokounmpo addressed his decision to dunk in the final seconds.
“What, we’re 11th in the East? Giannis said. “Are we 11th in the East or 12th? 11th? Just gotta keep finding our identity. And if that is to get a little bit of scrappy at the end, so be it. Like, we’re not the champs. Why should we play the clock out and have respect and fair play? Like we’re fighting for our lives right now. This is real talk, I’ve been 13 years in the league, if we keep on losing, brother, probably half of the team’s not gonna be here.
“We’re not going to make the playoffs (in 11th). Like I really don’t care. At the end of the day, I just want to be available, be healthy, and help my team win. And if that’s what has to happen for them – everybody – to wake up and understand like we’re fighting for our lives and we gotta get our hands dirty, so be it.”
Giannis’ dunk briefly escalated tensions on the floor. It led to a short but intense brawl between players from both teams after Vucevic stepped toward midcourt to confront him. While the situation stopped short of a full-scale brawl, the moment is likely to linger as a memorable and controversial chapter in Giannis’ season.
