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Giannis Antetokounmpo scores 59 on NBA season, Bucks recover from 18-point deficit past Pistons
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Giannis Antetokounmpo scores 59 on NBA season, Bucks recover from 18-point deficit past Pistons

On a night when Victor Wembanyama scored 50 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo gave the young Spurs star the edge.

He gave him a nine, to be exact.

The Milwaukee Bucks star scored 59 points to lead Milwaukee to a 127-120 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. He took over with 11 points in the five-minute extra-time session to secure the win in front of the home crowd.

He had a shot at 60, but chose to dribble out the clock in the final seconds with his Bucks holding a seven-point lead. As usual, Antetokounmpo did most of his damage at the basket and had a near-perfect night at the free throw line with a 16-of-17 attempt. He also hit his only three-pointer on a pull-up shot from the wing in the overtime, extending Milwaukee’s lead to 119-111.

The 59 points are the most by a player in the NBA this season. Wembanyama was briefly tied with Paolo Banchero, who scored 50 points for the Magic in a win over the Indiana Pacers on October 28.

Antetokounmpo added 14 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and two steals in a monster night as the Bucks recovered from an 18-point deficit. The scoring outburst falls short of Antetokounmpo’s career-high 64 he scored in a win over the Pacers last December.

The win was much needed for a Bucks team that has struggled out of the gate this season. Led by regular All-Stars Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Bucks started the season with hopes of challenging the reigning champion Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference. Instead, they limped to a 2-8 record before Wednesday’s win in one of the most disappointing starts in the NBA.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had a great night even by his lofty standards. (John Fisher/Getty Images)Giannis Antetokounmpo had a great night even by his lofty standards. (John Fisher/Getty Images)

Giannis Antetokounmpo had a great night even by his lofty standards. (John Fisher/Getty Images)

Antetokounmpo posted his 59-point effort without Lillard on the court. Lillard missed a second straight game on Wednesday with a concussion he suffered on Sunday.

The Pistons appeared to be on their way to victory as they held a 70-52 lead early in the third quarter. But the Bucks took an 85-84 lead late in the third quarter and then took a break in the final second of regulation.

Ron Holland had a chance to ice a Pistons win with two free throws and the game was tied at 111-111 with one second left. But he missed both shots, sending the game into overtime and opening the door for Antetokounmpo’s heroics.