Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t believe he was given the true game ball after his 64-point performance on Wednesday night.
‘I have a ball, but I don’t know if it’s the game ball,’ Antetokounmpo said. ‘It doesn’t feel like the game ball to me.’
‘It feels like a brand new ball. I can tell, I played, what, 35 minutes today? I know how the game ball felt,’ Antetokounmpo added.
Antetokounmpo caused a fracas after the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Indiana Pacers 140-126, in large part due to his 64-point performance, the fourth-highest single-game-scoring total among active players.
To commemorate the occasion, Antetokounmpo wanted the game ball, but learned the Pacers had already grabbed it. That turned out to be wrong information as a member of the Bucks’ staff already had the ball.
Giannis Antetokounmpo searched the Pacers locker room for the game ball after scoring 64
Antetokounmpo’s hunt for the ball led to some tense moments after the Bucks-Pacers game
That unidentified member of the Milwaukee staff is seen grabbing the ball from a referee as the game ended.
The Pacers intended to grab the ball for Oscar Tshiebwe, a former All-American at Kentucky, who scored his first official NBA points in the game.
Tyrese Haliburton was knocked to the floor by Giannis Antetokounnpo 😳
The play is currently under review for a Flagrant foul.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 14, 2023
Antetokounmpo’s pursuit of the ball led to tense moments where he stormed onto the court and into the Pacers locker room looking for it. Still, it isn’t clear if the two-time NBA MVP ended up with the real ball.
The confusing situation appears to have spiraled out of control all because of a miscommunication. It’s unclear whether Antetokounmpo asked anyone from his own team if they grabbed the ball before confronting the Pacers for it.
Only Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard, and Devin Booker have scored more than 64 points in a single game among active players.
Antetokounmpo marca 64 pontos e bate recorde em vitória dos Bucks na NBA
The Milwaukee Bucks have climbed to No. 3 in the latest NBA Power Rankings, showcasing improved chemistry and solid performance, despite facing some defensive challenges.
Why It Matters
The Bucks’ rise in the rankings reflects their ability to win games and maintain a strong record, underscoring the team’s competitiveness even before reaching their peak performance.
The Big Picture
The Minnesota Timberwolves currently sit at the top of the power rankings, demonstrating exceptional performance and defensive dominance, positioning them as a potential contender in the NBA Finals.
By the Numbers
The Milwaukee Bucks have a record of 16-7, positioning them as the No. 3 team in the league.
The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Boston Celtics share the best record in the NBA at 17-5, solidifying their top positions in the power rankings.
State of Play
The Milwaukee Bucks continue to navigate the early stretch of the season, showcasing improved chemistry and competitiveness.
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ exceptional start to the season, characterized by defensive dominance, positions them as a strong competitor in the NBA.
What’s Next
The Bucks will need to address defensive challenges and work on improving their overall performance to maintain their position in the rankings and secure a sustainable competitive model.
