Giannis’ 21 shots fourth fewest in 50-point game

MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 50 points and made 17 of his 21 shots from the field Tuesday night to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 128-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

The 21 attempts were the fourth fewest in a 50-point game in NBA history.

It marked the first time Antetokounmpo has scored 50 points since Game 6 of last year’s NBA Finals, when his performance helped seal the championship for Milwaukee. It was the first time he has hit 50 in the regular season since November 2019 (and third time in the regular season overall).

Antetokounmpo finished with 50 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists against the Pacers, making him just the third player in NBA history to have 50 points and 10 rebounds while also shooting 80% from the field, joining Wilt Chamberlain (four times) and Karl Malone.

“The efficiency … it’s … it’s … it’s Giannis,” Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer said. “He’s special. It’s hard to fathom scoring 50 on 21.”

Antetokounmpo, who missed Monday’s loss to the Trail Blazers with a left ankle injury, also finished 14-of-18 from the free throw line. He scored 19 points in the fourth quarter and made all seven of his shots from the field, the most field goal attempts without a miss in the final quarter by any player this season.