Giannis Antetokounmpo erupted for a season-high 59 points, propelling the Milwaukee Bucks to a 127-120 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
Antetokounmpo’s performance, the highest single-game total in the league this season, included 14 rebounds and seven assists as he shot 21 of 34 from the field and an impressive 16 of 17 from the free-throw line. His dominant display came as Milwaukee rallied from an 18-point deficit in the second half to secure the win.
Brook Lopez contributed 29 points, providing a crucial secondary scoring option for the Bucks, who played without star guard Damian Lillard, sidelined in concussion protocol.
Milwaukee struggled early, but Giannis kept them afloat by scoring 22 of the team’s 24 points in the first quarter, hitting seven of his 10 shots and all eight of his free throws.
The Bucks fought back from their early deficit to force overtime when Pistons forward Ron Holland II missed two critical free throws with one second remaining in regulation, leaving the score tied at 111.
Detroit was without starters Jaden Ivey, sidelined with a toe injury, and Tim Hardaway Jr., who sat out due to a head injury sustained in the previous game.
Detroit’s Cade Cunningham led his team with 35 points, and Malik Beasley added 26 points, connecting on eight of 16 three-point attempts.
Despite a strong showing from their starting backcourt, the Pistons’ late-game execution faltered, ultimately costing them the chance to close out the win.
The game took a physical turn in the third quarter when Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart received a flagrant 2 foul and was ejected after pulling Giannis down by his jersey.
Milwaukee dominated the boards, out-rebounding Detroit 47-45, and held a slight edge from three-point range, shooting 42.9% compared to the Pistons’ 47.4%.
This victory brings the Bucks to 4-8 on the season, while the Pistons, who had just snapped a four-game losing streak earlier this week, drop to 5-8.
