Giannis Antetokounmpo became the Milwaukee Bucks’ all-time leading scorer on Thursday night by delivering the type of unbelievable performance that has defined his star-studded career.
Antetokounmpo broke Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s franchise mark of 14,211 points, scoring 44 points on Thursday to move his total to 14,216. As part of his monster night, he hit a game-tying 3-pointer with 18 seconds left in regulation that helped force overtime and then drained two big free throws with three seconds left in the extra frame to seal a 120-119 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Antetokounmpo went 14-for-21 from the field, including 1-for-4 from 3-point range, and 15-for-19 from the free throw line while playing 39 minutes. He also had 14 rebounds and six assists.
“It’s good because I’m changing the narrative,” Antetokounmpo said with a wink while discussing the record. “I don’t want to be the guy only that dunks and runs. I can make a 3.”
Antetokounmpo’s performance came two days after he had 42 points, 14 rebounds, six blocks and three assists in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers. He did it all for a Bucks team that lost Khris Middleton with 5:05 left in regulation after he was ejected for committing a flagrant foul 2 on Nets guard Bruce Brown.
Antetokounmpo’s ability to raise his game has become so consistent that his teammates and coaches aren’t even surprised anymore.
