Photo credit: The US Sun

Giannis furious the Pacers stole his new record game ball

Published December 14, 2023 at 8:05
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Giannis Dominates with 64 Points, Bucks Triumph Over Pacers

Antetokounmpo surpassed Michael Redd's franchise record for most points in a single game, previously at 57. This achievement places him with two of the top three highest-scoring games in the Bucks' history.

This marked Antetokounmpo's third 50-point performance against the Pacers, including a 54-point effort in a recent close loss.

In his record-setting game, Antetokounmpo achieved impressive stats: 20-of-28 field goals, 24-of-32 free throws, along with 14 rebounds, four steals, three assists, and a block.


As the 2021 Finals MVP, he joined the elite ranks of Karl Malone and Wilt Chamberlain, becoming one of the few in NBA history to score over 60 points with 10 rebounds while shooting above 70% from the field, as noted by StatMuse.

Earlier that night, he also entered the top 100 NBA players in all-time points.

Despite his outstanding performance, not all reactions were positive.

Post-game, Antetokounmpo headed towards the Pacers' locker room to retrieve the game ball. He then had a heated interaction with Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton on the court, following his historic achievement.



Intense Moments and Ejections

Amidst the Bucks' fourth-quarter surge, tensions flared when Bobby Portis defended Antetokounmpo after a hard foul. The scuffle erupted after Pacers' Aaron Nesmith's unintentional play. Portis's ejection added fuel to the fire, finishing the game with 19 points in 23 minutes. The incident, marked by technical fouls, showcased the Bucks' resilience and determination.

Record-Breaking Run and Redemption

The Bucks dominated the fourth quarter with a 22-8 tear, leading to Coach Adrian Griffin benching his starters. Despite a brief Pacers run, Antetokounmpo returned, sealing the win with an impressive 64-point night. His two free throws, a layup, and a dunk in the final seconds showcased his dominance and solidified the Bucks' triumph.


Giannis Furious the Pacers stole his record game ball


Pacers bench coach said that the team had taken the game ball for rookie Oscar Tshiebwe, who scored his first career point.



To recap: It appears there was confusion when Bucks were aggressively pursuing what they initially believed was the game-used ball tonight in Milwaukee. A Bucks official actually grabbed the game ball from Giannis Antetokounmpo's 64-point performance at the buzzer, according to video and eyewitness accounts.



Damian Lillard Climbs to Fifth on NBA's 3-Point List

Milwaukee Bucks' star Damian Lillard achieved a historic milestone, securing the fifth spot on the NBA's all-time 3-point list with 2,451 points. This remarkable feat occurred during the Bucks' matchup against the Indiana Pacers.


Lillard's Milestone Moment

During the third quarter, Lillard and Brook Lopez switched roles, with the big man providing a crucial setup. Lopez's drive and draw maneuver opened up an opportunity for Lillard, who effortlessly buried the shot. This accomplishment positions Lillard as the third active player in the top five, trailing only Reggie Miller, James Harden, Ray Allen, and Steph Curry.

Aiming Higher

With just 109 3-pointers behind Reggie Miller, Lillard eyes surpassing him later this season. As long as he stays healthy, he has the potential to move ahead of Ray Allen, marking a significant climb up the all-time list. While catching up to Harden and Curry may be a tough challenge, Lillard's remarkable journey continues to captivate NBA fans.
POLL
December 14   |   32 answers
Giannis furious the Pacers stole his new record game ball

Who should have deserved the ball

Giannis1753.1 %
Th Pacers1546.9 %
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