It was a satisfying and record smashing get even game against the Indiana Pacers for the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday night at Fiserv Forum. After getting bounced out of the NBA’s first in-season tournament by Indiana in the semifinals last week, the Bucks got a measure of revenge in the 140-126 win that saw Giannis Antetokounmpo break the single game scoring record for the franchise by pouring in an astounding 64 points. It soared past the old record of 57 set by Michael Redd against the Utah Jazz in November of 2006. Antetokounmpo was literally unstoppable, hiting 20 of 28 shots from the floor, 24 of 32 free throws while pulling down 14 rebounds, dishing out three assists and coming up with four steals. Damian Lillard added 21 and Bobby Portis scored 19 before getting ejected in a game that got very spirited. Portis got his first technical foul coming to the aid of Giannis who was pulled down to the floor on a flagrant foul. When the game ended, Antetokounmpo was visibly upset, arguing with Oshkosh native and Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton who put up 22 points in the loss. It seems the Greek Freak wanted the game ball after his record breaking performance but the ball was in Indiana’s locker room. Head Coach Rick Carlisle admitted they kept the ball to present it to backup player Oscar Tshiebwe who got on the floor late in the game and scored the very first point of his NBA career. It’s apparently a Pacer tradition and Carlisle was unaware of Giannis’ record, a misunderstanding the eventually got worked out. The Bucks are now 17-7 on the season and they’ll return home Saturday to host the Detroit Pistons who are in the throes of a near record losing streak, falling for the 21st game in a row Wednesday night to Philadelphia, give games away from the 76ers all-time record losing skid of 26.
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