Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo further etched his name in the Milwaukee Bucks history books with a godlike display in their 140-126 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.
The Greek-Nigerian reached a new career high with his 64-point performance at the Fiserv Forum, setting a new Milwaukee franchise record by breaking the previous one set by Michael Redd (57 points vs. the Utah Jazz) in 2006.
A 64-piece of history. pic.twitter.com/4yVtURSJ2Z
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 14, 2023
The 29-year-old surpassed his previous career-high of 55 points, along with pouring in 14 rebounds, three assists, four steals, and a block in 37 minutes as the Bucks got their revenge over the Pacers, who defeated them in the East semifinals of the In-Season Tournament last Thursday in Las Vegas.
Antetokounmpo, who had already tallied 54 points at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana in November, got his eighth 50 or more points game in the league, shooting 20-of-28 from the field, 24-of-32 free throws, and was a +29 for the Bucks.
“It’s a great feeling. It’s a great feeling, being able to do it,” Antetokounmpo said. “As much as I can, I try to play basketball for the right reason.
“I try to play basketball to win, try to play basketball to help my teammates be great, but at the end of the day, being able to break this record in front of the fans here in this stadium, it’s a great feeling, too.”
Duh.
????: @paysbig pic.twitter.com/X6gBJqlDUs
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 14, 2023
Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin also praised Antetokounmpo for his historic performance as he became the first player in NBA history to make at least 20 field goals and 20 free throws in a game while shooting at least 70% on each.
“He’s an unstoppable player,” Griffin remarked. “You can’t guard him one-on-one.
“You’ve got some really good guys surrounding him, but at the end of the day, it’s all him.
“His talent. His ability. His will. He has an incredible will to win, and he’ll do whatever it takes to win. I’m just coaching the game and one of the coaches told me, ‘Yeah, Giannis has 50. I had no idea.’ But wow, what a great performance.”
Damian Lillard added 21 points, four rebounds, and six assists; Bobby Portis poured in 19 points and three 3s in 22 minutes off the bench; and Khris Middleton finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists as Milwaukee improved to 17-7 and climbed to second in the Eastern Conference standings.
Got our lick back.#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/NTn5Bqp6s4
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 14, 2023
Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner had 22 points apiece for the Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin got 14 points, while Aaron Nesmith added 12 points as they fell to 13-9 for the season.
