The Denver Nuggets and the Milwaukee Bucks have established themselves as two of the most competitive teams in the NBA. While the Nuggets are led by the versatile and dynamic Nikola Jokic, the Bucks boast the dominance of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their matchups have consistently delivered thrilling encounters, showcasing top-tier basketball from both teams.
This article delves into the head-to-head history of these two franchises, their individual player statistics, and how they stack up against each other.
Head-to-Head Record: Nuggets vs. Bucks
All-Time Record
The Denver Nuggets and the Milwaukee Bucks have played numerous games against each other since the Bucks joined the NBA in 1968 as an expansion team. As of March 2025, the Nuggets have historically maintained a lead in the head-to-head series.
- Total Games Played: 106
- Nuggets Wins: 65
- Bucks Wins: 41
While both teams have had dominant stretches over different eras, Denver has often had the upper hand in this matchup.
Recent Games and Results
Last 5 Matchups
- February 27, 2025 – Milwaukee Bucks 121 – Denver Nuggets 112
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 28 points, 19 rebounds, 7 assists
- Nikola Jokic: 32 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists
- The Bucks capitalized on their defense and transition plays to secure a crucial victory.
- February 12, 2024 – Milwaukee Bucks 112 – Denver Nuggets 95
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 36 points, 18 rebounds, 5 assists
- The Bucks dominated Denver with their inside presence and fast-paced offensive execution.
- January 29, 2024 – Denver Nuggets 113 – Milwaukee Bucks 107
- Nikola Jokic: 26 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists
- Denver’s balanced scoring and strong fourth-quarter defense helped them overcome Milwaukee.
- March 25, 2023 – Denver Nuggets 129 – Milwaukee Bucks 106
- Nikola Jokic: 31 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds
- The Nuggets dominated the second half, taking control of the game early and never looking back.
- January 25, 2023 – Milwaukee Bucks 107 – Denver Nuggets 99
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 33 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists
- Milwaukee used its superior rebounding and defensive plays to edge out the Nuggets in a low-scoring affair.
Player Comparison: Jokic vs. Giannis
The Nuggets and Bucks each have an MVP-caliber player leading their teams. Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been pivotal to their teams’ success, and their matchups are always must-watch encounters.
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
- 2024-25 Season Stats:
- Points per game: 27.5
- Rebounds per game: 12.2
- Assists per game: 9.4
- Field Goal %: 57.1%
- Three-Point %: 36.2%
Jokic is widely regarded as one of the best playmaking centers in NBA history. His ability to create shots for his teammates, along with his scoring versatility, makes him an incredibly valuable player for the Nuggets. His dominance in the paint, coupled with his perimeter shooting ability, makes him a nightmare matchup for opponents.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
- 2024-25 Season Stats:
- Points per game: 30.1
- Rebounds per game: 11.8
- Assists per game: 6.5
- Field Goal %: 58.3%
- Free Throw %: 73.5%
Giannis Antetokounmpo is known for his incredible athleticism, length, and ability to dominate in transition. He thrives in attacking the rim and drawing fouls while also being an elite defender who can guard multiple positions. His versatility has kept the Bucks in contention for championships year after year.
Key Supporting Players
Both teams have strong supporting casts that contribute significantly to their success. Here are some key players who have impacted recent Nuggets vs. Bucks matchups:
Denver Nuggets
- Jamal Murray (PG): A dynamic scorer and playmaker who pairs well with Jokic in the pick-and-roll game.
- Michael Porter Jr. (SF): An elite shooter who can stretch the floor and provide additional offensive firepower.
- Aaron Gordon (PF): A versatile defender and high-energy forward who contributes on both ends of the floor.
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG): A three-and-D specialist who adds perimeter shooting and defense.
Milwaukee Bucks
- Khris Middleton (SF): A reliable scorer and clutch shooter who provides a secondary scoring option.
- Brook Lopez (C): An elite shot-blocker and three-point shooter who anchors Milwaukee’s defense.
- Jrue Holiday (PG): One of the best perimeter defenders in the league and a key playmaker.
- Bobby Portis (PF): A high-energy forward who provides rebounding and physicality off the bench.
Tactical Breakdown: How Each Team Wins
How the Nuggets Win
- Jokic’s Playmaking: The offense runs through Jokic, and when he gets his teammates involved early, the Nuggets are at their best.
- Three-Point Shooting: Denver’s ability to stretch the floor with shooters like Murray and Porter Jr. is key against the Bucks’ defense.
- Defensive Rebounding: Limiting second-chance opportunities for Milwaukee is crucial to keeping their transition offense in check.
How the Bucks Win
- Giannis Attacking the Paint: The Bucks are most effective when Giannis gets into the paint and puts pressure on the defense.
- Strong Perimeter Defense: Shutting down Denver’s three-point shooters can force the Nuggets into difficult mid-range shots.
- Fast Break Points: Milwaukee thrives in transition, so creating turnovers and running in the open court is a major key to success.
Playoff Implications and Future Matchups
As of the 2024-25 season, both the Nuggets and Bucks are strong playoff contenders in their respective conferences. While the Nuggets are fighting for the top spot in the Western Conference, the Bucks are battling for supremacy in the Eastern Conference. A potential NBA Finals matchup between these two teams would be highly anticipated and could showcase one of the best head-to-head battles between Jokic and Giannis on the biggest stage.
Final Thoughts
The rivalry between the Denver Nuggets and the Milwaukee Bucks has grown into one of the most exciting inter-conference matchups in recent years. Both teams boast MVP-caliber players, deep rosters, and championship aspirations. With each game bringing new challenges and standout performances, basketball fans eagerly anticipate every meeting between these two powerhouses. Whether it’s Jokic’s masterful passing or Giannis’s relentless drives to the hoop, Nuggets vs. Bucks games are always a spectacle worth watching.
