On Thursday night, Milwaukee Bucks player Giannis Antetokounmpo made NBA history by becoming the first player to score 35 points, 17 rebounds, and 20 assists in one game when the Bucks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 126-113.
In the game against the Philadelphia 76ers Giannis made history as his Milwaukee Bucks identified every three-point shot at a 51.6% accuracy. On Thursday the team boosted their shooting record by making more shots which tied their historic 68.9% field goal percentage from Tuesday and became the best NBA score since 1998.
“When you’re the primary ball handler, you just gotta keep on making good decisions for the team,” Giannis Antetokounmpo explained. “I feel like most of the time, I try to make the best decision for myself or my teammates.”
The 20 assists marked a career high for Giannis Antetokounmpo, making him just the third player in Bucks franchise history to reach that milestone, joining:
- Ramon Sessions (24 assists in 2008)
- Guy Rodgers (21 assists in 1968)
Since the Guard Damian Lillard had deep vein thrombosis, Giannis Antetokounmpo had to step up and handle more ball duties. Head coach Darvin Ham showed respect for Giannis Antetokounmpo as he took the top role after Doc Rivers left due to sickness.
“Giannis has to think more like a point forward,” Ham noted. “And he’s already built like that. So, it’s not too much of a challenge for him.”
Antetokounmpo gained entrance into exclusive group territory since he became the third player this season to put up 30+ points and 20+ assists in a match together with Nikola Jokic and Trae Young.
