The time Giannis Antetokounmpo beat Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks with a buzzer-beating jumper

Legendary forward Carmelo Anthony has called it a career after 19 seasons in the NBA, and of those who was quick to pay tribute to Melo’s legendary career was the Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“Thank you for pushing me higher, and congratulations on a legendary career 💪🏾🙌🏾 #STAYME7O @carmeloanthony,” Giannis posted on his social media accounts.

Thank you for pushing me higher and congratulations on a legendary career 💪🏾🙌🏾 #STAYME7O @carmeloanthony pic.twitter.com/vk5700C6XD
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) May 22, 2023

The two star forwards shared so many battles on the hardcourt, and one of their most intense duels took place on January 4, 2017, at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

Thrilling finish

Anthony outscored Giannis in that game, but it was the Greek Freak who had the last laugh when he hit a buzzer-beater jumper that sent the Bucks to a pulsating 105-104 win.

In that contest, the Knicks took a 104-101 lead when Anthony assisted Kyle O’Quinn for a layup with 2:16 left.

It turned out that was the last basket that the Knicks would make as the Bucks tightened the defensive screws in the homestretch before Giannis delivered the game-winning play.

The Bucks were still down by a hair, 103-104, but took ball possession when Derrick Rose went out of bounds with eight seconds left.

Coming off a timeout, the Bucks went to Antetokounmpo, who dribbled for about seven seconds while trying to back down Lance Thomas.

Giannis then pulled up for a step-back turnaround jumper from the free throw line, with the ball hitting nothing but the net as time expired.

Monster numbers for the two stars

“I was patient,” Antetokounmpo said then. “I knew I could shoot the ball over the top of anybody, anytime. I know he is not going to block my shot, so I just wanted to make sure I take the last shot.”

Giannis finished that game with 27 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and a steal.

Anthony was equally productive in the thrilling duel finishing with a game-high 30 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.

It was a painful defeat for the Knicks, who led by as many as 16 points in the third quarter behind the blazing guns of Anthony.

Anthony scored 14 of his total output in the third, only to get defeated by Giannis and the Bucks at the finish.

“I think we gave this one away,” Anthony said. “It's a tough one to swallow.”