A day after being ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct in a ruling that outraged NBA fans, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo went wild against the Indiana Pacers, recording Wilt Chamberlain-like numbers.
The Bucks phenom scored 54 points and captured 12 rebounds in the 126-124 defeat. With his 54+12 and 15 free throws made, Giannis joined exclusive company in a bittersweet club, according to StatMuse:
“Giannis Antetokounmpo tonight: 54 PTS 12 REB 16 FTM Joins Rick Barry and Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to reach these numbers in defeat.”.
Giannis tonight:
54 PTS
12 REB
16 FTMJoins Rick Barry and Wilt as the only players to reach those numbers in a losing effort. https://t.co/o5F9Atcu6W
– StatMuse (@statmuse) November 10, 2023
It’s tough, but in the end the rest of the Bucks struggled to generate enough offense. An hour before the opening whistle, the Bucks ruled out point guard Damian Lillard. Earlier in the day he had been listed as doubtful because of right calf soreness. Coach Adrian Griffin had said earlier in the day that Lillard would be evaluated after warmups.
Khris Middleton gave the Bucks 19 points, but only two other Milwaukee players went in double figures: Malik Beasley with 13 points and Bobby Portis with 11.
All in all, it was a historic day, although The Greek Freak would have preferred to make history in other ways, as he has done in other circumstances.
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