Giannis Antetokounmpo Scores Career-High 64 Points, Sets Franchise Record
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo had a night to remember on Wednesday, scoring a career-high 64 points to set a franchise single-game scoring record against the Indiana Pacers in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo’s remarkable performance surpassed Michael Redd’s previous mark of 57 points and led the Bucks to a 140-126 victory.
Bucks coach Adrian Griffin had high praise for Antetokounmpo, calling him “an unstoppable player” and highlighting his incredible talent, ability, and will to win. “Every point he got, he did it the right way. He made the right play. He attacked the rim,” said Griffin.
What made Antetokounmpo’s achievement even more impressive was the fact that he scored 64 points without making a single 3-point field goal, becoming the first player to score 60 points without a 3 since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000.
However, the post-game events added a dramatic twist to the already spectacular night. There was a confrontation between the Bucks and the Pacers over the game ball after the final buzzer. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle claimed that the Pacers took the ball because it was Oscar Tshiebwe’s first NBA point, but the Bucks disputed this and a commotion ensued.
The confusion surrounding the game ball continued in the post-game interviews, with Antetokounmpo expressing uncertainty about whether he possessed the actual game ball. “I have a ball, but I don’t know if it’s the game ball,” Antetokounmpo said. “It doesn’t feel like the game ball to me.”
The evening’s tensions were also evident during the game, with multiple confrontations between players and a flagrant foul called on Aaron Nesmith for an incident involving Antetokounmpo that escalated into technical fouls and an ejection for Bucks forward Bobby Portis.
In the end, despite the remarkable feat on the court, questions about the game ball and the tensions on the court lingered, contributing to a night that won’t soon be forgotten in Milwaukee.
(Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images)