The Milwaukee Bucks used another hot fourth quarter to defeat the Atlanta Hawks 132-121 on Friday night. With the win, the Bucks improve to 14-6 on the season. This record bring them into a virtual tie with the current second seed in the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic. Orlando currently holds the tie-breaker over Milwaukee.
The game was highlighted by high-scoring, hot shooting offense from both teams. Milwaukee led 42-37 after the first quarter, and both teams shot well from the floor. The Bucks, though, were just a tad better, shooting 59.6% from the floor overall (Atlanta shot 44.6%) and 42.4% from three (Atlanta shot 39.5%).
The star of the game, once again, was two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak finished with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, his first triple-double of the season and the 36th of his career. He is currently ranked 12th in NBA history in triple-doubles.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes History Against the Atlanta Hawks
Going to the game, Giannis had 16,817 points and ranked 102nd in NBA history. His 32 points now give him 16,849, which moves him past Elton Brand for 101st. Brand finished his 17-year career with 16.827 points.
The next player that Giannis can pass on the all-time scoring list is Boston Celtics legend and NBA Hall of Famer Bob Cousy, who ranks 100th with 16,960 points.
Damian Lillard and Cam Payne Have Big Games for the Milwaukee Bucks
Damian Lillard had another stellar game, playing second-fiddle to Giannis. He finished with 25 points, six rebounds, nine assists, and a steal. He was highly efficient shooting, going 10/16 from the floor (3/6 from three) and a perfect 2/2 from the line.
One of Milwaukee’s most important players on the night, though, was backup point guard Cam Payne. He posted a season-high 18 points on 7/11 shooting (2/6 from three) and was 2/2 from the line. He also added three rebounds and two assists.
Other Key Contributors for the Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks center Brook Lopez continued his incredible run of being an absolute force in the lane on defense. He finished the night with four blocks, including this one:
get. outta. here. 🤣 #FearTheDeer // #NBA pic.twitter.com/VljQ6Rk5mY
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) December 3, 2023
He also had 11 points and four rebounds.
Khris Middleton started out hot, scoring 10 points in the first few minutes of the game. He finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists in 25 minutes of play. He was 5/9 from the floor (2/4 from three).
Bobby Portis had a double-double off the bench with 15 points and 11 rebounds. He scored 13 of his points in the first quarter.
Malik Beasley had 16 points on 6/11 shooting (4/7 from three), four rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
AJ Green and MarJon Beauchamp were the only other two Bucks players that saw playing time. Rookie Andre Jackson Jr. was out with back spasms and Pat Connaughton has a sprained ankle.
Milwaukee’s next game will be on Tuesday, December 5 at home against the New York Knicks.
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2 Comments
NONE of this is historical in nature.
To make history means BREAKING records.
Not being 12th all time in triple dubs or 101st in scoring.
After all, second place is the FIRST LOSER in ANY endeavor…
Or, I might add, being the VERY FIRST to do something. THAT’S historical.
Like if Giannis were ever to get the first quintuple double in history.
It’s unlikely, but it could be done. Heck, I had dozens of them playing playground ball in the 80s, and I’m talking about half of the time I played 4 pick up games I was dropping 55 points, 20 rebs, 15-20 assists, and 10 steals and assists. I averaged a triple double for life and had hundreds of quadruple doubles to go along with the quints. You’re far too impressed by non events such as this. Giannis is MOVING UP SOME LISTS. He hasn’t made history (except for things like being the only player with a DPOY and multiple MVPs). THAT’s history.
The kind of lines NBA players would put up on their local playgrounds…