Giannis Antetokounmpo

Prompting double takes from scoreboard-watching fans across the NBA’s globe, Giannis Antetokounpo — in recording 22 of his team’s 24 opening-quarter points — sent a few messages almost immediately on November 13, 2024. Among the loudest of the bunch: (1) with victory much-needed, the two-time Most Valuable Player planned to put the shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks on his broad shoulders, and (2) any surrounding, fouling Detroit Pistons would be welcome to join the in-air ride. Tenacious, as always, in his through-the-paint attack, Antetokounmpo toggled into postseason-type form, blending both forceful flushes and acrobatic and-ones in a thrilling, come-from-behind overtime victory. Compensating for the absence of two All-Star sidekicks and his No. 1 off-the-bench scoring option, Antetokounmpo’s herculean effort also included elite efficiency both from the perimeter (8-of-13) and from the charity stripe (16-of-17). Tested by both said injuries, and a subsequent 18-point third quarter deficit, Antetokounmpo ultimately found victory through the following box score: 59 points (on 21-of-34 shooting), 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, three blocks, and one 3-pointer. Such brilliance also elevated Antetokounmpo to No. 3 on NBA history’s all-time 50-point, 10-rebound leaderboard.