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Giannis Antetokounmpo “extremely happy” after delivering a performance for the ages
Giannis Antetokounmpo put up a performance for the ages when he exploded for a career-high 64 points in leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 140-126 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night at the Fiserv Forum.
Giannis' total output is a franchise record, breaking the 57 points Michael Redd scored in 2006 when the Bucks defeated the Utah Jazz 113-111.
"He's an unstoppable player. 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," Bucks coach Adrian Griffin said. "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."
Antetokounmpo's previous career-high was 55, which he made during a 123-113 victory over the Washington Wizards in January 2023.
An extraordinary performance
In reaching the milestone, Giannis went 20 of 28 from the field and 24 of 32 from the free throw area. 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 percent on each.
Giannis's 64 points were also the most, with fewer than 30 field goal attempts in a game in NBA history.
"Obviously, I'm extremely happy. I'm happy that we were able to get a win," said the two-time MVP.
It was apparent that Antetokounmpo was extra motivated against the Pacers. The Bucks came into the game 0-2 against the Pacers this season. One of their losses to Indiana came during the semifinal round of the NBA In-Season Tournament.
"Obviously, Indiana is a very, very good team. We've played twice against them, and they beat us twice. They beat us in the In-Season Tournament. They played really fast, and it was a challenge for the team," said Giannis.
Brilliant from start to finish
Anteokounmpo scored 21 points in the first two quarters and helped the Bucks take a 70-63 lead at the half. Milwaukee led by as many as 22 points in the final period, but Indiana moved to within ten late in the game.
Giannis delivered the finishing touches by scoring six in the final two minutes.
"As much as I can, I try to play basketball for the right reason. I try to play basketball to win, try 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," Giannis said.
