Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a season-high 50 points to lead the Milwaukee Bucks past the Pacers 128-119 on Tuesday night.
The Bucks have now swept the four-game season series against the Pacers. They are also on an 8-game winning streak against them.
Giannis, who didn’t play against Portland on Monday night because of a knock, showed no signs of rust as he racked up 12 first-quarter points. Those points included two monster dunks and a contested 3-pointer.
“I felt way better,” Antetokounmpo said. “I was rested.”
Antetokounmpo set a career-high with his seventh 40-point game of the season and scored 50 for the first time since the NBA Finals. That memorable performance against Phoenix gave the Bucks their first championship in 50 years. This was also the fourth 50-point game of his nine-year career, including the postseason. As always Giannis tried to play down the accomplishment
“Obviously, it’s a nice feeling to have 50, you’ll always remember it, but I care about the win. I want to win games,” Giannis said. “We have another one on Thursday. We’ll try to finish and go to the All-Star break on a good note. As long as we’re winning, I’m good. You do whatever it takes. If you are thinking about let me get to 50, let me get mine, it doesn’t work that way. You have to focus on winning games.”
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Giannis’ Performance
The Bucks absolutely needed to bounce back after consecutive double-digit losses and this was the best time. Giannis scored 18 points in the first half and 32 points in the second. He made 17 of his 21 shots from the field and made 14 of his 18 free throws. The 21 attempts were the fourth-fewest in a 50-point game in NBA history.
“He’s in a good place and good rhythm at the free-throw line,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “You get 14 of those and a couple of 3-balls and it can add up for him. Fifty is never easy. It’s great to have him back.”
