MILWAUKEE – In a stunning turn of events during the Lakers’ **119-95 victory** over the Milwaukee Bucks on **November 11, 2023**, the postgame drama unfolded as players scrambled to secure the game ball for rookie **Adou Thiero**, who scored his first-ever NBA points. Thiero’s memorable night included a **spectacular dunk** in the closing moments, but the real excitement erupted after the final buzzer.
After the game, Lakers forward **Jarred Vanderbilt** clutched the game ball, intending to present it to Thiero. However, tensions flared when crew chief **Pat Fraher** intervened, seizing the ball and declaring it belonged to the Bucks, much to the confusion of the Lakers players. “I went to grab the ball,” Vanderbilt stated. “The rookie scored his first points; that’s what happens in the league.”
Vanderbilt reported that Fraher mentioned he would be “writing him up” for his actions, igniting frustration among the Lakers’ roster. “I don’t know what the hell he’s talking about,” Vanderbilt expressed, highlighting the unusual nature of the situation. Lakers guard **Austin Reaves** added, “He said it’s not my ball to give away, which was like… I’ve never heard that.”
Just when it seemed the situation might escalate, Bucks superstar **Giannis Antetokounmpo** stepped in. Demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship, he retrieved the game ball from a Bucks team attendant and handed it to Lakers star **Luka Doncic**, who later presented it to Thiero in the locker room. “That shows a lot of class,” Reaves noted, praising Antetokounmpo’s gesture.
This incident marked a stark contrast to a similar scenario nearly two years ago in Milwaukee, when the Pacers sought a game ball for rookie **Oscar Tshiebwe**, resulting in a heated confrontation. Thankfully, this time the outcome was positive, with Thiero reflecting, “I’m very thankful for this team. I think that shows how connected we are and how much we want each other to succeed.”
Thiero, selected by the Lakers with the **No. 36 pick** in the second round, made his debut after recovering from knee surgery that kept him sidelined for the first 13 games of the season. His contributions came amid challenges for the Lakers, who were without starting players **Marcus Smart** (illness) and **Rui Hachimura** (sore left calf) while awaiting **LeBron James’** return from sciatica.
The Lakers have now improved to **10-4 overall** and sit at **No. 4** in the Western Conference standings, closing their five-game road trip with a **3-2 record**. Vanderbilt concluded, “Either way, I’m glad he got [the game ball]. He deserves it. That’s a big-time achievement, scoring your first NBA points, especially in a win.”
As the Lakers continue to build momentum, all eyes will be on whether they can maintain their success and welcome back LeBron James in their upcoming match against the Utah Jazz on **Tuesday**. This unfolding story not only highlights the rookie’s achievement but also underscores the spirit of camaraderie and competition in the NBA, making it a night to remember.
