The Milwaukee Bucks have gotten off to a slow start this season for a variety of reasons. Of course, three-time All-Star Khris Middleton has yet to suit up for a game due to offseason surgery on both of his ankles, which has led to a great deal of frustration amongst fans due to the team’s struggles. However, his prolonged recovery is not the only reason.
While Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have both had excellent individual starts to the season, the rest of the Bucks’ roster has been inconsistent. Many of their long-time role players have started to show their age, leading many fans to call for a trade or two in order to boost the roster and keep the NBA Championship window open.
The slow start has also led many to believe that Giannis might eventually request a trade out of Milwaukee. However, his comments on the court near the end of the Bucks’ 127-120 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons should put those rumors to bed.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Had an Historic Night vs. the Detroit Pistons
On a night that Milwaukee was without Lillard (concussion), Bobby Portis (wrist), Middleton (ankle surgery), and Ryan Rollins, the Greek Freak was absolutely unstoppable.
He poured in 22 first quarter points as the Bucks tried to keep the game from getting away from them. Indeed, Milwaukee did not lead in the game until the end of the third quarter.
By the time the contest ended, Giannis had 59 points (one off his career high), 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and three blocks. In a game with such a small margin for error due to all the players that were out, the two-time NBA MVP made 16 of his 17 free throw attempts and was 1/2 from three.
He became the first player in NBA history with those numbers:
Giannis in the OT win:
59 PTS (most by a player this season)
14 REB
7 AST
2 STL
3 BLK
1 3PThe first player ever to reach those numbers in a game. pic.twitter.com/e8lWqP4iP0
— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 14, 2024
Giannis also reached 1,000 career blocks during the game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Gets Emotional After the Milwaukee Bucks Beat the Detroit Pistons
During his postgame interview on the court, Bucks fans screamed chants of “MVP, MVP, MVP” down in response to his masterful performance against Detroit. The gesture obviously meant a lot him, as he had trouble responding right away to questions:
“No matter who plays, we don’t give up.”
An emotional Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke with @melaniebricks after his 59-point performance in the OT win over the Pistons. #FearTheDeer | #NBA pic.twitter.com/XvMjxyZjqf
— FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (@FanDuelSN_WI) November 14, 2024
“At the end of the day nobody said it’s going to be easy… I remember the year we won a chip we didn’t start the season very well but at the end of the day we never gave up… No matter who plays, we never give up,” Giannis said fighting back tears.
Now 4-8, this could be the win that turns Milwaukee’s season around.
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