Giannis Antetokounmpo became the sixth-youngest player to reach 20,000 points in NBA history as the Milwaukee Bucks registered a 137-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.
Antetokounmpo, who has had an inspiring journey, reflected on what has been a wonderful ride so far and said he has more to give.
“I always look back at myself, and I don’t want to say I get emotional, but it’s a good feeling,” Antetokounmpo said after the game. “I’m proud of the journey, but I have so much more to give.”
Giannis scored 32 points and 15 rebounds in 25 minutes in Milwaukee’s convincing win as he achieved his personal milestone in the third quarter.
The team played a tribute video for Antetokounmpo but coach Doc Rivers asked him to stay focused on the game.
“He kept saying, ‘Giannis, Giannis, focus on the play,’” Antetokounmpo said with a laugh. “Like, Coach, you [don’t] get a lot of 20,000-points moments in your career.”
On the other hand, Damian Lillard scored 34 points for the Bucks and he said they have been working hard as a group to get better with every season.
“It is a select group of guys that for a decade-plus have just been putting it together every year getting better, performing against the scouting report, just showing up night in and night out and doing it over a long, long period of time,” Lillard said after the game. “We all know the names. Obviously, to get to 20,000 points is not just being a guy that has opportunity. You got to keep getting better. You got to go against the best defenders, you got to go against the scouting reports, you got to take care of yourself and be available.”
Antetokounmpo had to work hard during the nascent stages of his career in Greece and he hopes to keep inspiring his people.
“I hope a lot of people see me, and I represent the people that might not have it all,” Antetokounmpo said. “Might not be the most talented people, but they are disciplined. They show up every single night to do the right thing, no matter the outcome. They keep on coming back and keep on being disciplined in their craft. So I hope I can represent all those people.”
The Bucks will next take on the Orlando Magic on Saturday.
