MILWAUKEE — In a thrilling showdown on Wednesday night, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reflected on the performance of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo after the game. Although Rivers initially found it concerning that Antetokounmpo accounted for 22 out of the team’s 24 first-quarter points, he was all smiles later as Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to a 127-120 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons, scoring a staggering 59 points. This outstanding performance marked the highest scoring total of any NBA player this season and was just five points shy of his career-best of 64 points achieved last season against the Indiana Pacers.
Having witnessed numerous remarkable games throughout his playing days, Rivers noted the unique perspective that comes with coaching. He recalled a moment during the game when he felt a sense of urgency, realizing that they needed to involve other players despite Antetokounmpo’s impressive scoring. “After the game, you realize how special this is. But during the game you’re in a panic,” he stated, highlighting the tension that accompanies big performances.
Antetokounmpo’s impressive night saw him hit 21 of his 34 field goal attempts and convert 16 of 17 free throws, adding 14 rebounds and seven assists to his stat line. As the Bucks, now 4-8, work to overcome an early-season slump, Antetokounmpo expressed his determination to strike a balance between being aggressive and facilitating plays for his teammates. The team was missing key players, including point guard Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and forward Bobby Portis due to injuries.
“Coming into this game I realized I have to be aggressive,” Antetokounmpo explained. “While I was doing that, it was not working. We were down by 15, 18. In the second half, I had to maintain my aggressiveness but also keep moving the ball.” As a captain of the team, he emphasized the importance of harnessing energy and inspiring his teammates to rise to the occasion.
Brook Lopez also played a vital role in the Bucks’ comeback, contributing 29 points. Other players, including Taurean Prince, Andre Jackson Jr., and Gary Trent Jr., rallied to support the team. A pivotal moment occurred late in regulation when Antetokounmpo was called for a foul, leaving the score tied at 111. Pistons forward Ron Holland II failed to capitalize on two free throw opportunities, giving the Bucks a chance to seize momentum. They opened overtime with an electrifying 8-0 run, capped off by a three-pointer from Antetokounmpo.
“He has no quit in him,” Lopez remarked. “Just to be able to watch it the last seven years, I’ve seen the new things he can do.” A crucial moment in the game was when Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart received a flagrant foul 2 and was ejected for pulling down Antetokounmpo late in the third quarter. This incident energized the Bucks, who outscored the Pistons 38-24 in that period, overcoming an 18-point deficit in the process.
Antetokounmpo demonstrated resilience amid the physical nature of the game, stating, “I’ve been in that position many times in my life. I have two older brothers that pushed me on the floor, were tough on me. It doesn’t faze me anymore.” He noted that once such situations arise, his focus shifts to making crucial free throws. While acknowledging the danger of such plays, he maintained that they are not typical in basketball.
Before the game, Antetokounmpo inspired his teammates with a speech, reminding them of the challenges they faced early in his career with the Bucks. He encouraged them to embrace the opportunity to play, despite the absence of key players. “Don’t take this moment for granted. All you can do is compete and hope that your teammates follow,” he urged, emphasizing the need for unity and resilience during tough times.
