Antetokounmpo Surpasses Abdul-Jabbar, Solidifies Legacy in Bucks' Record Books

Milwaukee, WI – Giannis Antetokounmpo etched his name deeper into the Milwaukee Bucks’ franchise history on Friday, surpassing legendary center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most 40-point games in team history. The monumental performance occurred during the Bucks’ commanding 126-110 victory over the Chicago Bulls, a game in which Antetokounmpo delivered a stat line of 41 points, 15 rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and two blocks. This marked his 56th career game with 40 or more points as a Buck, moving him past Abdul-Jabbar’s previous record of 55.

The achievement underscores Antetokounmpo’s sustained dominance and his profound impact on the Milwaukee franchise since his arrival in 2013. Abdul-Jabbar, who played for the Bucks from 1969 to 1975, remains one of the most iconic figures in the team’s history, leading them to their first NBA championship in 1971. Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and the architect of the Bucks’ 2021 NBA title, now stands alone in this particular scoring echelon, a testament to his prolific offensive output.

Antetokounmpo’s current season has commenced with an extraordinary display of all-around excellence. He is averaging career-highs in several key categories, including 33.4 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, while shooting an efficient 64.2% from the field. These figures place him second in the league in scoring, first in rebounding, 14th in assists, and seventh in field goal percentage, illustrating his comprehensive influence across multiple facets of the game. Such consistent, high-level production has become a hallmark of his career, a standard that, according to some observers within the league, can sometimes lead to his exceptional performances being normalized.

"Someone like himself, he’ll have a game like tonight and it will just go unnoticed in the league, in my opinion, because people are so used to him putting up this type of stat line," commented a player after the Bulls game, highlighting a sentiment shared by many close to the team. This perspective suggests that Antetokounmpo’s relentless pursuit of greatness, night after night, occasionally overshadows the individual brilliance of each performance.

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Indeed, in his eight appearances this season, Antetokounmpo has already registered at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists on five occasions. His career total for such games now stands at 155, placing him just two behind Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson, both of whom have 157. This exclusive club of players with 100 or more such games features only seven names in NBA history: Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James, Elgin Baylor, Nikola Jokić, and the aforementioned trio. The rarity of this statistical combination further emphasizes Antetokounmpo’s unique blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking.

"We’re just witnessing greatness. Can’t take it for granted, for real," remarked Bucks guard Ryan Rollins. "I was talking to Bobby [Portis] about that in the ice tub — how he plays every night, it’s crazy. I’m blessed to be here, for sure, to be able to witness that." Rollins’ comments reflect a growing appreciation within the Bucks’ locker room for Antetokounmpo’s sustained impact, urging against taking his consistent high performance for granted.

A notable aspect of Antetokounmpo’s offensive success this season has been his aggressive play in the paint and the increasing physicality he faces from opposing defenses. This has led to frustration regarding officiating, with head coach Doc Rivers openly addressing the issue. Following a recent game against the Indiana Pacers, Rivers articulated his concerns. "I just think the way he gets officiated is not right. And I get it, it’s hard, he’s like guarding a fast Shaq," Rivers stated. "So, it’s brutal. You can make a case — I’m sure they do — ‘Hell, we can call a foul every time.’ Well, if you do, they’ll stop fouling him."

This assessment aligns with observations from players around the league. Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, who has faced Antetokounmpo multiple times, echoed similar sentiments. "There are some shots that he misses that he clearly gets hammered," Kuzma observed. "He’s such a strong player that the refs, they just allow people to be physical with him… He gets touched up more than anybody I’ve ever seen and I’ve been in the league for nine years. It’s crazy, honestly."

Despite the physical challenges, Antetokounmpo remains an unparalleled force in the restricted area. He currently leads the league by a significant margin, averaging 23.3 points in the paint per game, compared to the second-ranked Deandre Ayton’s 15 points. His efficiency near the basket is equally impressive, converting 77.9% of his attempts in the restricted area. When asked about his success around the basket, Antetokounmpo attributed it to the team’s offensive scheme and the capabilities of his teammates. "Probably the spacing," Antetokounmpo commented. "AJ [Green], [Gary Trent Jr.], Ryan [Rollins], all these guys that can shoot the ball just make it easier for me when I get in the paint." This highlights the symbiotic relationship between Antetokounmpo’s interior scoring and the perimeter shooting threats that open up driving lanes.

The table below illustrates Antetokounmpo’s exceptional volume and efficiency in the restricted area compared to other league leaders:

NBA Leaders in Restricted Area Attempts (as of recent data)	Player	FGM	FGA
Giannis Antetokounmpo	11	14.1	77.9%
Zion Williamson	4.8	8.8	54.5%
Jalen Duren	5.3	7.8	68.6%
Jalen Johnson	5.8	7.4	78%
Amen Thompson	5.1	7.1	71.9%
Karl-Anthony Towns	3.8	7	53.6%

Antetokounmpo’s statistical output and historical climb come as the Milwaukee Bucks navigate the early stages of the season. Following the victory over the Bulls, the team improved their record to 5-3, placing them among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks have been identified by some analysts as an "underestimated team" entering the season, a perception that Antetokounmpo’s dominant play is rapidly challenging.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ next fixtures will test their early season momentum. They are scheduled to face the Indiana Pacers on November 9th, followed by a matchup against the Orlando Magic on November 11th. These games provide further opportunities for Antetokounmpo to continue his record-breaking trajectory and solidify the Bucks’ position in the standings.

While the challenge of consistently finding new superlatives for Antetokounmpo’s performances persists, the prevailing sentiment among those who witness his play is one of profound appreciation. "It’s something you won’t really appreciate until it’s gone," a teammate reflected. "Ten, 15 years from now — whenever he wants to retire — when he’s gone, you’re not gonna see a lot of players like Giannis. You definitely have to appreciate the greatness that’s unfolding in front of you every single night." This perspective serves as a reminder to acknowledge and celebrate the ongoing, historical achievements of one of the NBA’s most transformative players.