Giannis Antetokounmpo reached 21,000 career points with a 29-point outing, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 116-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday at Fiserv Forum.
The Bucks snapped a seven-game losing streak, improving to 9-12, while Brooklyn fell to 3-16, missing key players Michael Porter Jr., Cam Thomas, and Egor Demin.
Giannis, in just his second game after a four-game absence with a groin strain, shot 12 of 15 in 19 minutes and collected eight rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr., returning from injuries, scored 13 points, and A.J. Green and Bobby Portis Jr. added 15 and 13 points, respectively.
Midway through the third quarter, Giannis’ milestone three-pointer made him the 42nd player and sixth-youngest in NBA history to reach 21,000 career points. “First of all, we have to talk about who those guys are,” he said, via HoopsHype, referencing Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kevin Durant. “Just to be in that list with them is incredible.”
The Greek forward emphasized that he still has room to grow. “Have I accomplished as much as them? I don’t think so. Do I have a lot of room to improve and room to grow in years to keep on writing my own legacy? Yes. And I think getting to the top of the scoring list… I think it’s four, five years away, four and a half years away,” Giannis said.
He reflected on his journey from Greece’s Sepolia neighborhood and the significance of the milestone. “Being a kid from Greece from Sepolia where I grew up in a small neighborhood… to be able to be on this stage and 13 years later to score 21,000 points, I’m very appreciative,” Giannis said.
The Bucks dominated the game early, outscoring Brooklyn 39-24 in the second quarter and holding a 92-60 lead with just over five minutes left in the third. Danny Wolf scored a career-high 22 points for the Nets, while Jalen Wilson added 13. Brooklyn’s depleted roster struggled to recover, with Ziaire Williams contributing 10 points and Nic Claxton seven.
Milwaukee shot 52 percent from the field, 12 of 17 from the free-throw line, and scored 43 points in the paint. Giannis’ efficient scoring highlighted the Bucks’ dominance, even in limited minutes.
Looking ahead, Giannis stressed staying focused on the immediate challenge. “I just have to worry about Monday against Washington and stay healthy. Job is not done,” he said. The Bucks will visit the Wizards on Monday, while the Nets host the Hornets.
