3 takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks’ thrilling win versus Indiana Pacers

Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the Milwaukee Bucks’ lineup with a stellar performance against the Indiana Pacers

After missing Milwaukee’s last game due to ankle soreness, Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the lineup to square off against Indiana. All eyes were on that ankle – which he seemingly turned in the team’s game last Thursday against the Phoenix Suns – to see whether or not it would be a hindrance to the two-time MVP, but he certainly did not look to be bothered by it all night as the Greek Freak delivered one of the best performances in Milwaukee Bucks history.

Offensively, Antetokounmpo could not be stopped as he scored 50 points on 17-of-21 shooting, including 2-of-3 from behind the arc. Shooting an insanely efficient 81 percent from the field, it was Antetokounmpo’s night as the Pacers had no answer to his onslaught, whether it was right at the hoop, in the mid-range, or from behind the arc. The closest thing that Pacers did to slow down Antetokounmpo was send him to the free throw line, but he was great there as well by shooting 14-of-18 (77.8 percent) for the game. He also hauled in 14 rebounds and dished out four assists to cap off a tremendous all-around night.

Antetokounmpo continued his outright unreal season last night with his first 50-point game since last year’s NBA Finals, which certainly has some implications. Not only was the Greek Freak listed as the current favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year in the NBA’s latest latter, but he now leads the league in scoring following this dominant performance. Those are just incredible feats to note in what has been a historically great season for the reigning Finals MVP.

Giannis and the Bucks will aim to keep the momentum intact as they visit another MVP candidate in Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. Be sure to catch the action at 7:30 p.m. CST on TNT.