Giannis Antetokounmpo experienced a remarkable night, delivering a career-best performance with 64 points as the Milwaukee Bucks triumphed over the Indiana Pacers, seeking redemption for their previous In-Season Tournament loss.
Antetokounmpo surpassed Michael Redd’s single-game franchise record of 57 points, securing two of the three highest-scoring games in Bucks history. This marked his third 50-point game against the Pacers, following a 54-point effort in a close defeat the previous month.
In an impressive display, Antetokounmpo shot 20-of-28 from the field and 24-of-32 from the free-throw line, complemented by 14 rebounds, four steals, three assists, and a block. StatMuse highlighted that the 2021 Finals MVP joined the exclusive company of Karl Malone and Wilt Chamberlain by achieving at least 60 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 70% from the field.
Despite his historic performance, an incident unfolded postgame when Antetokounmpo sought the game ball. He engaged in a heated exchange with Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton after running toward the Pacers’ locker room.
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Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle explained that the misunderstanding arose because the team had taken the game ball to commemorate rookie Oscar Tshiebwe’s first career point.
Carlisle clarified, “We were not thinking about Giannis’ franchise record, so we grabbed the ball.” He also mentioned an altercation in the hallway, where Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan sustained a bruised rib in a “fracas” involving a Bucks player. Carlisle expressed regret over the situation, emphasizing that the official game ball wasn’t essential and could have been resolved without escalation.
Never heard of NBA players getting game balls, but apparently this is a thing.
