Antetokounmpo scored 44 points, including the game-winning free throw, as the Bucks defeated the Nets in overtime. 1:45
The type of unbelievable performance that has defined Antetokounmpo's star- studded career was what he delivered on Thursday night.
Antetokounmpo scored 44 points Thursday to break the franchise record of 14,211 points set by Abdul-Jabbar. He hit a tying 3-pointer with 18 seconds left in regulation that helped force overtime and then drained two big free throws with three seconds left in the extra frame to seal the victory.
While playing 39 minutes, Antetokounmpo went 14-for-21 from the field, including 1-for-4 from 3-point range, and 15-for-19 from the free throw line. He had six assists.
Antetokounmpo winked while discussing the record and said that he didn't want to be the guy that only dunks and runs. I can make 3.
It was Antetokounmpo's first career tying or go-ahead 3-pointer in the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime. He entered the night 0-for-4 on such shots.
Two days after he had 42 points, 14 rebound, six blocks and three assists in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Antetokounmpo had a better performance. He did it all for the Bucks, who lost Khris Middleton with 5 minutes left in the game after he was ejected for committing a foul on Nets guard Bruce Brown.
Antetokounmpo has become so consistent in raising his game that his teammates and coaches are not surprised anymore.
Jrue Holiday, a guard for the Bucks, said that that is definitely the most improved player. He's improved his game a lot and it has been shown from the free throw line to his 3-point shot. It is so much better than it was last year. I felt like we were hanging on his coattails and being able to ride his coattail in that way gave us confidence.
The two-time Most Valuable Player is taking it all in stride. He won an NBA title and Finals Most Valuable Player last season, but he only wants to win the next one.
In the past, Antetokounmpo has said how much he would like to stay in Milwaukee for his entire career, but he knows he will be judged on how much he wins.
He said that it doesn't matter if you don't have a successful season or not.
Antetokounmpo wants us to stay humble. I want to be humble. I felt like I could accomplish more things if I stayed humble and hungry. I want to create more art. The more I can prolong my career, the better. I have to keep being humble, keep trying to make my teammates great, and good things will happen.
As much as Antetokounmpo wanted to distract attention from his latest record, his teammates and coaches knew how important it was for him and the organization.
"Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is just one of the icon players in our league," Budenholzer said. I feel incredibly fortunate that I have a front-row seat for the last three and three-quarters, almost four years, as our all-time career leading scorer. His teammates are very happy for him. It is beyond impressive what he has done, and he has a lot more left to do.
He does everything. The man is doing everything. I don't know how much he can do. Average 60 points a game, but he is close to doing that.
The game ball was given to Antetokounmpo after the game and he wore a smile as he made his way to the podium. When asked if this is the best he has ever played in, he said, "I think this is the most mature I have ever been."
I'm over myself. Antetokounmpo said he was able to get to his spot better and execute if the ball didn't go in. I love what I've done in the past, and that gives me confidence, and I'm able to execute without thinking, because I know I'm good enough. I am kind of okay with that.
That allows me to play good basketball. I am in a very good place. I think I can still improve. I think I am not as strong as I was two years ago. I know I have a lot of room to improve, but I am helping my team win games.
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