Giannis Furious Over Bucks’ Christmas Snub, But Bobby Portis Finds a Silver Lining

The Milwaukee Bucks’ exclusion from the NBA’s coveted Christmas Day lineup for the 2024-25 season has sparked mixed reactions among the team’s players. Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, widely regarded as one of the league’s premier talents, voiced his frustration over the snub. Speaking to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Giannis shared his disappointment, questioning why one of the NBA’s top teams—consistently a contender in the Eastern Conference—was left out of the league’s most celebrated regular-season tradition.

While Giannis expressed his dismay, teammate Bobby Portis Jr. took a more balanced approach. Appearing on the “Run It Back” show with Michelle Beadle, Portis reflected on his initial reaction to the Christmas schedule, which was released in August. “When I saw the schedule, I texted the group like, ‘Dang, we’re not playing on Christmas? What’s this?’ And everybody sent back crazy, mad emojis,” Portis said, recalling the collective frustration of the Bucks’ roster.

However, Portis quickly found a silver lining. Acknowledging the Bucks’ status as perennial Eastern Conference powerhouses, he initially felt they deserved to be part of the marquee holiday matchups. But with time, Portis embraced the opportunity for a rare day off, saying, “The NBA gave us a day off, and we’re going to take it with pride. I’ll enjoy some quality time with my family.”

Ultimately, while the Bucks may feel overlooked, players like Portis are choosing to focus on the positives, turning disappointment into a moment for personal reflection and celebration.