On Monday night, the Milwaukee Bucks played the Boston Celtics (at home) in Wisconsin.
Despite the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks got blown out, losing by a score of 108-81.
Antetokounmpo finished his first game back with 19 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and one block while shooting 7/18 from the field 0/2 from three-point range in 25 minutes of playing time.
Doc Rivers Announces Reason For Kyle Kuzma Benching
One notable fact from the game was that Kyle Kuzma did not make an appearance.
He appeared to be a healthy scratch.
Keith Smith of Spotrac wrote: “Kuzma did indeed end up a DNP-CD. As best as I can tell from a quick look through his game logs, this is the first DNP-CD in Kuzma’s nine-year career.”
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 09: Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on in second half of preseason game against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum on October 09, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
After the game, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reported on what head coach Doc Rivers said about the decision.
Nehm wrote: “Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Kyle Kuzma not playing tonight was a coach’s decision.”
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 27: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Fiserv Forum on February 27, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Kuzma was traded to the Bucks (via the Washington Wizards) during the middle of the 2024-25 season.
In his first full year with Milwaukee, the 2020 NBA Champion has averages of 12.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per contest while shooting 48.3% from the field and 34.2% from three-point range in 56 games.
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 29: Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after being called for a foul against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Kuzma was the 27th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Utah.
Before the Bucks and Wizards, the 30-year-old spent the first four years of his career playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Ti Windisch of Gyro Step wrote: “Kuzma going from starter to DNP-CD (for the first time in his career!) makes no sense but that’s par for the course this season. Conspiracy Ti wonders if it’s not a coincidence that Kuzma was the most vocal about Myles Turner not having enough of a role before Doc benched him.”
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 19: Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a block against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Bucks are currently the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 26-34 record in 60 games.
They are also in the middle of a three-game losing streak (and have gone 5-5 over their last ten games).
Following the Celtics, the Bucks will play their next game on Wednesday night when they remain at home to host Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks in Wisconsin.
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