Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn’t won an MVP since 2020 but is still playing as one of the best players in the NBA. He just dropped 64 points to help the Bucks beat the Indiana Pacers. This was an incredible performance by Giannis, but the former MVP looked furious with the Pacers for taking away the game ball before Giannis could take it. The Greek Freak was seen yelling at Tyrese Haliburton and was calmed down by his teammates.
Giannis 😳 pic.twitter.com/glegJUas4m
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 14, 2023
It seems a Pacers assistant coach is the one to blame, as he took the game ball before Giannis and was caught on camera doing the same.
https://twitter.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1735151755464229247
It was a historic performance from Giannis and he would want the game ball to commemorate the same. Chris Haynes has since confirmed that the Pacers wanted the game ball to give it to rookie Oscar Tshibewe, who scored his first (and only) NBA point tonight from a free throw.
“Initial explanation from one member of Pacers to Bucks players as to why they took the game ball from Giannis Antetokounmpo: They wanted to give it to a rookie who scored his first career basket. Oscar Tshiebwe was the only rookie to register his first point. He made one free throw.”
B/R Sources: Initial explanation from one member of Pacers to Bucks players as to why they took the game ball from Giannis Antetokounmpo: They wanted to give it to a rookie who scored his first career basket. Oscar Tshiebwe was the only rookie to register his first point. He made…
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) December 14, 2023
Giannis ended the night with 64 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and four steals in arguably one of the finest performances of his career. Given it was a Milwaukee home game, he deserved to take the ball home instead of the visiting Pacers wanting to give it to a rookie who played in garbage time. Giannis did ultimately retrieve the ball.
Giannis owns a lot of historic achievements in Bucks history and now he can finally claim Michael Redd’s record as the leading single-game scorer in franchise history.
Giannis Knew In 2021 He Was Going To Break Michael Redd’s Record
The 2020-21 season will always be the most memorable in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career. He came off two consecutive MVPs and unceremonious playoff exits, prompting people to declare that the Bucks can’t win a title with Giannis as their star. He responded immediately by committing his long-term future to Milwaukee a season early and instantly winning a title after the team tarded for Jrue Holiday.
During that historic season for the Bucks, Giannis had put his eyes on more than just the NBA title. He told former single-game franchise record scorer Michael Redd that he would break Redd’s 57 points, which he scored against the Utah Jazz in 2006.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: “One day I’m going to break your record.”
Michael Redd: “I know you will! I got lucky one night.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo: “Hopefully, I can get lucky one night too.”
Giannis to Michael Redd in 2021: "One day I'm going to break your record"
Giannis broke it tonight.
58 points. The most points scored in a game in Milwaukee Bucks history. pic.twitter.com/QNdxJFIqER
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) December 14, 2023
With the record in his rear-view, Giannis will now focus on ensuring he can make the Bucks one of the best teams in the NBA. Even with the addition of Damian Lillard, Giannis is carrying a massive load to try and make up for any off-nights that Lillard has.
Giannis is averaging 32.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists this season. He should be among the MVP frontrunners and this performance will likely put him back in the conversation.
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