Giannis Antetokounmpo marked a successful return from injury on Saturday as the Milwaukee Bucks picked up a confidence-boosting win, while the San Antonio Spurs saw their eight-game winning streak brought to an end by the Utah Jazz.

Antetokounmpo made his first appearance after missing eight games with a right calf strain and made an immediate impact, scoring 29 points and collecting eight rebounds in just 25 minutes as Milwaukee defeated the Chicago Bulls 112–103. The win snapped Chicago’s five-game run and lifted the Bucks to 13–19.

The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player was efficient on his return, shooting 10-of-15 from the field and 8-of-10 at the free-throw line. Milwaukee had struggled in his absence, going 2–6 without their star forward.

“He’s just happy to be back on the floor,” said Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, who carefully managed Antetokounmpo’s minutes. “We didn’t want him carrying a heavy load. Minute-wise, it worked out really well. It was a good win for us.”

Rivers added that Antetokounmpo’s presence immediately lifted the team. “When he’s out there during a run, you feel like you’re going to get a bucket or a good shot. Without him, those scoring droughts can creep in.”

Bobby Portis chipped in with 17 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for Milwaukee. Chicago, now 15–16, was led by 16 points apiece from Coby White and Nikola Vučević.

In San Antonio, the Spurs’ winning streak ended with a 127–114 loss to Utah, despite a strong showing from Victor Wembanyama. The French rookie scored 32 points and grabbed seven rebounds in his return to the starting lineup after seven games coming off the bench due to a left calf strain.

Lauri Markkanen powered the Jazz with 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, while Keyonte George added 28. Utah closed the game emphatically, outscoring San Antonio 11–2 in the final three minutes to seal the win.

San Antonio dropped to 23–8, while Utah improved to 12–19.

Elsewhere, the New York Knicks extended their winning streak to four games with a 128–125 victory at Atlanta. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered 36 points and 16 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson added 34. OG Anunoby iced the game with four free throws in the final 30 seconds after Nickeil Alexander-Walker missed a potential tying three for the Hawks.

The Knicks improved to 22–9 and have now won 13 of their last 16 games, while Atlanta slid to a sixth straight defeat.

In other action, Kevin Durant scored 30 points as the Houston Rockets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 117–100. Jaylon Tyson led Cleveland off the bench with 23 points and 14 rebounds.

Cam Thomas poured in 30 points off the bench to lead Brooklyn to a 123–107 win over Minnesota, despite 28 points from Anthony Edwards. Miami cruised past Indiana 142–116 behind 28 points each from Andrew Wiggins and Jaime Jaquez, with Norman Powell adding 23. Pascal Siakam scored 33 in defeat for the Pacers.

Orlando edged Denver 127–126 in a dramatic finish, as Anthony Black scored a career-high 38 points and Desmond Bane added 24. Nikola Jokic posted a triple-double of 34 points, 21 rebounds and 12 assists, briefly putting Denver ahead late on, but Bane’s free throws sealed the Magic’s win.

Phoenix claimed a 123–114 road win at New Orleans behind 20 points from Devin Booker and 18 from Dillon Brooks, while Sacramento beat Dallas 113–107 as Russell Westbrook and Keon Ellis scored 21 points each.