Behind The Bucks

When the final game tipped off at the MECCA, the entire basketball world was watching. Narrated by Charlie Berens, Episode 4 of Bucks vs. the World chronicles the championship matchup of the 1987 McDonald’s Open, as the Milwaukee Bucks face the Soviet Union national team in the first NBA game ever broadcast in the USSR and China. With fans from 36 countries tuned in, the Bucks carried not just the league, but the country on their shoulders in a game that felt like far more than an exhibition. The episode follows the tournament’s aftermath, tracing how the Soviet team’s experience in Milwaukee helped fuel their run to Olympic gold in 1988, and how Boris Stanković’s persistence led to the historic 1989 FIBA vote allowing NBA players into international competition. In doing so, the McDonald’s Open became a crucial step toward the Dream Team and the arrival of international stars in the NBA. At its heart, Episode 4 is also the story of Senator Herb Kohl — whose commitment to keeping the Bucks in Milwaukee ensured the city remained part of basketball’s global evolution — connecting the Crystal Cup to the championship banner hanging in Fiserv Forum today.

When the Soviet Union finally took the floor in Milwaukee, the stakes went far beyond basketball. Narrated by Charlie Berens, Episode 3 of Bucks vs. the World focuses on the second game of the 1987 McDonald’s Open, as the Soviet Union national team faces EuroLeague champion Tracer Milan and quickly establishes itself as the tournament’s most formidable force. The result shocks fans and media who had just seen Tracer push the Bucks to the brink, dramatically shifting expectations for what lies ahead. The episode explores the Cold War context surrounding the Soviet team’s arrival, including the lingering pain of the controversial 1972 Olympic gold medal game and the political realities shaping the lives of the USSR’s players and their legendary head coach, Alexander Gomelsky. As the spirit of glasnost begins to emerge, Episode 3 captures a rare moment when sport, politics, and history collided — and when the Bucks realized they were about to represent far more than Milwaukee on the court.

The opening game of the 1987 McDonald’s Open revealed something no one was prepared for. Narrated by Charlie Berens, Episode 2 of Bucks vs. the World explores how the Milwaukee Bucks’ matchup with EuroLeague champion Tracer Milan sent shockwaves through international basketball, forcing the NBA, the media, and fans across Europe to reconsider what was possible. As Tracer pushes the Bucks to the brink, the episode shows how perceptions of European talent began to change in real time. The story then moves behind the Iron Curtain, introducing the Soviet Union national team as they arrive in Milwaukee. Through firsthand accounts from players, coaches, and journalists, the episode examines the challenging political realities that shaped the lives of the USSR’s stars and their legendary head coach — and how anticipation for the tournament’s final game grew into something much bigger than basketball.

In 1987, the Milwaukee Bucks hosted the 1987 McDonald’s Open, a groundbreaking tournament that brought together the Bucks, the Soviet Union national team, and EuroLeague champion Tracer Milan — marking the first collaboration between the NBA and FIBA. Narrated by Charlie Berens, Episode 1 of Bucks vs. the World explores how the tournament came together, why Milwaukee was chosen, and how Cold War politics shaped one of the most consequential moments in basketball history. The episode builds to the Bucks’ dramatic opening matchup with Tracer Milan, setting the stage for a battle that would change the game forever.

Season 5 of Behind the Bucks, presented by Gallagher, returns with Locked In, a four-part series narrated by Marques Johnson that takes you inside the Milwaukee Bucks’ pursuit of a championship. In episode 1, players open up about the grind it takes to reach — and stay — in the NBA. Hear from the Bucks' stars on how early discipline, family influence, and an unshakable work ethic shaped their paths to the pros. This is the story of where championship dreams begin — and how the Bucks are building theirs from the ground up. Subscribe to the Behind the Bucks podcast, presented by Gallagher, to enjoy untold stories, essential insights, and exclusive access to your favorite team.

In the NBA, every player wants to be a star — but the real key to winning is learning how to be a star in your role. In this episode, Bucks veterans and rising players reveal what it takes to sacrifice, adapt, and elevate the team. Behind the Bucks is presented by Gallagher.

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has made one thing clear: he’s locked in on Milwaukee and the city that shaped him. In this episode, the Bucks’ stars open up about loyalty, legacy, and why players choose to make Milwaukee home. Hear Giannis, Bobby Portis, Myles Turner, and others reflect on what it means to play — and stay — in a city built on hard work, community, and championship dreams. Behind the Bucks is presented by Gallagher.

Inside every locker room, there’s a push and pull between experience and ambition. In this episode, the team's leaders reveal how honest conversations, accountability, and competing perspectives are shaping Milwaukee’s identity. It’s a look at how this group is learning to lead one another — and why that connection could be the difference in their pursuit of another championship. Behind the Bucks is presented by Gallagher.

From winning the 2024 NBA Cup, to making history with teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo, the final episode of the series details Milwaukee Bucks superstar Damian Lillard's second season with the team. In an exclusive interview with senior NBA insider Chris Haynes, Dame describes how he has asserted himself as a leader of the team, and the many ways his relationship with Giannis has grown since he arrived in Milwaukee. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers shares how Dame has impacted the young players on the team, and how unique Dame and Giannis are as a dynamic duo. And Bucks general manager Jon Horst explains how the resilience Dame has shown over his career is the type of spirit the team will need to embody to achieve their ultimate goal of winning a championship. Subscribe to the Behind the Bucks podcast, presented by Gallagher, to enjoy untold stories, essential insights, and exclusive access to your favorite team.

After requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, it was a few days before training camp when Damian Lillard finally got the call he was being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, and at first he didn't believe it. In an exclusive interview with senior NBA insider Chris Haynes, Dame details his initial reaction to the trade, and why he knew Milwaukee was where he was supposed to be. He also opens up about his relationship with former Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, as well as his experience earning his first career All-Star start and All-Star game MVP. Subscribe to the Behind the Bucks podcast, presented by Gallagher, to catch each episode of this four-part series.

After being selected with the #6 overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, it didn't take long for Damian Lillard to show the NBA he belonged. Former teammate LaMarcus Aldridge describes Dame's ascent to superstardom, and reveals the depth of their relationship in Portland and beyond. And in an exclusive interview with senior NBA insider Chris Haynes, Dame details what led to his decision to request a trade from the franchise and how the Milwaukee Bucks emerged as a potential destination for him to pursue his ultimate goal of contending for an NBA championship. Subscribe to the Behind the Bucks podcast, presented by Gallagher, to catch each episode of this four-part series.

This is the unlikely story of how an unheralded prospect from the Brookfield Village neighborhood of Oakland, CA went from a mid-major college program to the #6 pick in the NBA draft. Damian Lillard, and the people who know him best, speak to senior NBA insider Chris Haynes about the pivotal moments that defined Dame's journey to superstardom. From his earliest days making music and hitting buzzer beaters at Oakland High School, to the blue blood college basketball program that tried to recruit him after he began to make a name for himself at Weber State, Episode 1 of 'The Damian Lillard Story' reveals what it really took for the Milwaukee Bucks superstar point guard to make it to the NBA. Subscribe to Behind the Bucks, presented by Gallagher, to catch each episode of this four-part series.

Going for Gold explores the rich history of Milwaukee Bucks stars who have competed at the Olympics. The series finale details how Bucks stars dealt with the pressure of playing for an Olympic medal. With the world watching and the hopes of their countries on their shoulders, they reflect on the agony of defeat and the triumph of victory. Subscribe to Behind the Bucks, presented by Gallagher, to catch each episode of this four-part series.

Going for Gold explores the rich history of Milwaukee Bucks stars who have competed at the Olympics. In Beijing, Bucks stars Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut went from being the faces of the franchise to competing against one another in the Olympics. When USA Basketball set out to create 2008's Redeem Team, Redd was a priority addition for the new leadership. Bucks former first overall pick, Andrew Bogut, was leading an ascending Australian team hungry to prove itself on the world stage. When the two teams collided in the quarter-final knockout round, only one would prevail. Subscribe to Behind the Bucks, presented by Gallagher, to catch each episode of this four-part series.

Going for Gold explores the rich history of Milwaukee Bucks stars who have competed at the Olympics. In Episode 2, former teammates Vin Baker and Ray Allen reunite on Team USA for the 2000 Olympics after first playing together on the Milwaukee Bucks. Last time they were teammates, Baker was a three-time All Star, and Allen was just a rookie. A few years later when they take on major roles for Team USA, Allen has come into his own as an ascending superstar. And he certainly makes a statement on the world's biggest stage. Team USA's pursuit of the gold medal feels inevitable until a thrilling match-up against Lithuania in the semi-finals has the world holding its breath. Subscribe to Behind the Bucks, presented by Gallagher, to catch each episode of this four-part series.

Going for Gold explores the rich history of Milwaukee Bucks stars who have competed at the Olympics. Former players Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut, and Vin Baker share what it felt like to play for their country on the world's biggest stage. And after Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo made history as the flagbearer for Greece in the Opening Ceremony of the games in Paris, journalists Harris Stavrou and Mirin Fader describe the significance of this moment for not only him, but the millions of others around the world that he continues to inspire. Subscribe to Behind the Bucks, presented by Gallagher, to catch each episode of this four-part series.

Behind the Bucks, presented by Gallagher, takes a deep dive into the history of Mr. Bucks in Six, Brandon Jennings. What happened when the Bucks won Game 5 of the 2021 NBA Finals and had a chance to fulfil prophecy? How did the Hear District influence on-court fashion?

Behind the Bucks, presented by Gallagher, takes a deep dive into the history of Mr. Bucks in Six, Brandon Jennings. This episode takes a look back at the 2013 Wisconsin Sports Awards, the first time Jennings said the Bucks would win a series in 6 games.

Behind the Bucks, presented by Gallagher, takes a deep dive into the history of Mr. Bucks in Six, Brandon Jennings. After being selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Jennings needed just seven games to break a record that stood for nearly 40 years. The episode looks back at the draft process and that historic night in Milwaukee. Narrated by Jim Paschke and features NBA All-Star Michael Redd.

Behind the Bucks, presented by Gallagher, takes a deep dive into the history of Mr. Bucks in Six, Brandon Jennings. The 10th overall pick in 2009, Jennings story started on a playground in Compton, CA when he was just three years old. This is Episode-One of an audio docuseries that examines how Jennings changed the culture surrounding Bucks basketball, and how he prophesized a championship.

Once regarded as the next big name in basketball, Jay Williams has had an epic journey of his own. From tragedy to triumph, Williams is now Chairman of Improbable Media, a company he co-founded with Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jen Lada spoke with Williams about how and why the company was created, the ever-changing sports media landscape, and some of his own journey as well. Why Williams was compelled to be a gamechanger in the athlete media space, and why he was so drawn to Antetokounmpo in particular, are tied directly to his own story and how he's been able to tell it over the years. This inaugural series of Behind The Bucks, presented by Gallagher, explores "Giannis: The Marvelous Journey," a documentary now available on Prime Video, from multiple perspectives. Subscribe to Behind The Bucks on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon Music to ensure you never miss an episode. Find more Milwaukee Bucks content on the all new Bucks+ audio platform at www.bucks.com/plus.

Stephen Watson of Bally Sports sits down one-on-one with Thanasis Antetokounmpo to discuss "Giannis: The Marvelous Journey," a new documentary now available on Prime Video. Thanasis, two years older than Giannis, does not shy away from vulnerability as he reacts to scenes from the film. Antetokounmpo guides fans through a deeply personal tour of his family's journey and some of the notable stops along the way which, much like the documentary, span a complete range of emotions. Thanasis recalls living through those key moments from his perspective, including early life in the league, the tragic passing of his father, the moment he became an NBA champion, and more. The story of Giannis's path is one of family, loyalty, defying the odds, and paving your own path... all themes that uniquely apply to his older brother and Milwaukee Bucks teammate Thanasis as well. This inaugural series of Behind The Bucks, presented by Gallagher, explores the documentary from multiple perspectives. Subscribe to Behind The Bucks on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon Music to ensure you never miss an episode. Find more Milwaukee Bucks content on the all new Bucks+ audio platform at www.bucks.com/plus.

Described by key figures as “the reason Giannis Antetokounmpo felt at home in Milwaukee” when he first moved from Greece, JoAnne Anton was a quietly crucial force during a trying time in the NBA superstar's journey. Stephen Watson of Bally Sports sits down with Anton to discuss the serendipitous circumstances under which their paths crossed, the loneliness he experienced during the first few months of his NBA career, her tireless work to get the rest of the Antetokounmpo family to Milwaukee, and more. Without Anton's care and efforts, Giannis's marvelous journey may not have come to fruition. This inaugural series of Behind The Bucks, presented by Gallagher, explores "Giannis: The Marvelous Journey," a documentary now available on Prime Video, from multiple perspectives. Subscribe to Behind The Bucks on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon Music to ensure you never miss an episode. Find more Milwaukee Bucks content on the all new Bucks+ audio platform at www.bucks.com/plus.

Connor Schell is no stranger to award-winning sports documentaries, having created ESPN's "30 For 30" series and having produced heavily-decorated series such as "The Last Dance" and "OJ: Made In America." Schell joins ESPN's Jen Lada to discuss his involvement in the creation of "Giannis: The Marvelous Journey," a documentary now available on Prime Video detailing the improbable path of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family from the streets of Athens to global success. Schell shares what he found captivating about the family's story, the process of first-class storytelling, and the responsibility of allowing this story to be told first-hand through the Antetokounmpo lens. This inaugural series of Behind The Bucks, presented by Gallagher, explores the documentary from multiple perspectives. Subscribe to Behind The Bucks on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon Music to ensure you never miss an episode. Find more Milwaukee Bucks content on the all new Bucks+ audio platform at www.bucks.com/plus.

ESPN's Jen Lada is joined by Kristen Lappas, Director and Producer of "Giannis: The Marvelous Journey," a documentary about NBA champion and global superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, available now on Prime Video. Lappas gives fans an inside look at the multi-year project, with insights spanning topics such as filmmaking, earning trust, what makes award-winning storytelling, working with the Antetokounmpo family, and so much more. Lappas shares experiences from her vulnerable conversations with the face of the Milwaukee Bucks franchise, having explored emotions from grief to triumph and everything in between. This inaugural series of Behind The Bucks, presented by Gallagher, explores the documentary from multiple perspectives. Subscribe to Behind The Bucks on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon Music to ensure you never miss an episode. Find more Milwaukee Bucks content on the all new Bucks+ audio platform at www.bucks.com/plus.

The inaugural Behind The Bucks series dives into "Giannis: The Marvelous Journey," a documentary from Words + Pictures and Improbable Media, available now on Prime Video. Behind The Bucks, presented by Gallagher, exlores the film from multiple angles: filmmaking, storytelling, family, tragedy, success. Whether you're looking for more insight on the art, the artist, or the subject, Behind The Bucks covers it all. Find more Milwaukee Bucks content on the all new Bucks Plus audio platform at www.bucks.com/plus or wherever you listen to podcasts.