The Greek Giannis Antetokounmpo had a titanic match by scoring 64 points, a record for his Milwaukee Bucks franchise, against Indiana, and Victor Wembanyama was close to shaking the Lakers deprived of LeBron James on Wednesday in the NBA.
The evening had a taste of revenge for the Bucks, dominated by the Pacers in the semi-final of the new NBA Cup last Thursday in Las Vegas.
Giannis Antetokounmpo quickly took charge, and the 2019 and 2020 MVP, champion in 2021 with his franchise, put together a crazy performance with 64 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists, for a 140 to 126 victory. Enough to establish a new record in Milwaukee – and therefore a new personal record for him as well since he played his entire career with the Bucks -, in addition to the biggest card of the season.
Unstoppable, the 29-year-old Greek shot 20 out of 28 and delighted his audience at the Fisery Forum.
The tension between the two teams peaked when Aaron Nesmith wrapped his arm around Antetokounmpo’s neck as he rushed to the circle, triggering a scuffle with players and staff.
After the final whistle, again, the Greek and other Milwaukee players rushed to demand accountability from the Pacers, for a simple misunderstanding around the match ball, according to Indiana coach Rick Carlisle.
Tense end of the game between the Bucks of Giannis Antetokounmpo (G) and the Indiana Pacers of Tyrese Haliburton, December 13, 2023 in Milwaukee / Stacy Revere / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
“Oscar Tshiebwe scored his first points so we kept the ball for him, we weren’t thinking about Giannis’ points record. A few minutes later, several players came to find us (…). There was a kind of a big melee. I don’t think any punches were exchanged, but our general manager got elbowed in the ribs by one of their own.”
“Talent”
In a less tense but ultimately very competitive match, Frenchman Victor Wembanyama was close to playing a bad trick on the Los Angeles Lakers, deprived of Lebron James (left calf) but ultimately winning 122 to 119.
Comfortably leading the entire match, the Angelenos, winners of the NBA Cup on Saturday in Las Vegas, suffered a huge fourth quarter from the French giant (2.24 m), suddenly skillful from afar, who totaled 30 points , 13 rebounds and 6 blocks. But the rookie missed the equalizer eight seconds from the end, committing an offensive foul.
“We are young, we lack experience, but we have no excuses. We have to match the intensity of the opponent, be more active in defense,” lamented “Wemby” about of the first half.
“I’m trying to do everything I can for the team. I’m focusing more on rebounding, trying to be a more solid player, it’s progress.”
Young French NBA star Victor Wembanyama shooting a three-pointer under the eyes of LA Lakers inside Anthony Davis, December 13, 2023 on the San Antonio Spurs floor / Ronald Cortes / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
Above all, Wembanyama offered a great duel against All-Star center Anthony Davis, best player of the match with 37 points, who did not spare the Frenchman, notably with a “poster dunk” during the second quarter.
“He obviously has a lot of pressure as the No. 1 in the draft, but he’s a hell of a player. He struggled at times tonight but ended up shining. He’s one of those great talents generational. It was fun to face him,” praised Davis.
Despite a decent performance, the Spurs suffered an 18th consecutive defeat. They welcome the Lakers again on Friday for a possible first duel between “Wemby” and “King” LeBron James.
2023-12-14 08:30:06
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