Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from 102-96 loss to the New York Knicks

Thanasis Antetokounmpo puts together a career night with the Milwaukee Bucks

Thanasis Antetokounmpo scored a career-high 12 points in Friday night’s loss to the Boston Celtics, but he put that performance to shame last night.

Also making his first start of the season, Thanasis had an unforgettable night as he nearly doubled his previous career-high with a team-high 23 points. He did it quite efficiently as well, shooting an impressive 8-of-15 from the floor, including 4-of-5 from deep.

Antetokounmpo was knocking down the long ball nearly flawlessly, which was a massive surprise considering he had just hit two triples in his entire career entering this game. His impact went far beyond just scoring as well, as he finished with 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in nearly 37 minutes of action.

Typically, the 28-year-old simply serves as an energizer off Milwaukee’s bench when they need a boost. While he also displayed that from start to finish last night, he also put on a display of everything else he can bring to the court. While games like these will certainly not become the norm for Thanasis anytime soon, it was without question captivating to watch this performance unravel.

With the Bucks likely hitting the road with a few key pieces absent, Budenholzer will give Thanasis more run in the rotation over these new few games. If last night’s performance said anything, it is that the forward will remain ready for the call whenever he is called upon.

Despite the loss, Antetokounmpo’s career night stole the show at Fiserv Forum, and it will be something fans will not forget anytime soon.

Thanasis and the Bucks will take the court once again on Monday as they head to Los Angeles to square off against the LA Clippers. It should be a great rematch between these two title contending teams, and you can catch the action at 9:00 p.m. CST on Fox Sports Wisconsin or NBA TV.