Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes History with Franchise-Record 64 Points, Leading the Bucks to a 140-126 Victory Against the Pacers

On Wednesday night, Giannis Antetokounmpo set a franchise record with 64 points to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 140-126 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo drives by Indiana Pacers' Buddy Hield during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

In a 113-111 loss against the Utah Jazz, Antetokounmpo shattered the team mark of 57, which had been set by Michael Redd in 2006. In January 2023, Antetokounmpo achieved his previous career high of 55 points during a 123-113 victory over Washington. On November 9 at Indiana, he had 54.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo and Indiana Pacers' Obi Toppin go after a loose ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Antetokounmpo finished with 14 rebounds, 24 of 32 free throws, and 20 of 28 field goals.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo is fouled by Indiana Pacers' Myles Turner during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

With 10:10 left, Aaron Nesmith tackled Antetokounmpo during a play beneath, igniting a brief altercation between multiple players. Nesmith received a flagrant-1, and both he and Bobby Portis of the Bucks were given technical fouls.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo drives past Indiana Pacers' Buddy Hield during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

The Bucks led 108-96 after Antetokounmpo made both of his free throws and Khris Middleton scored a jumper on the ensuing possession. With 9:13 left, Portis was summoned for a second technical and was eventually ejected, earning 19 points.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks over Indiana Pacers' Buddy Hield during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

With 6:26 remaining, Antetokounmpo scored seven points in a row to give the Bucks a 118-100 lead.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo is fouled by Indiana Pacers' Myles Turner during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

For the Bucks, Damian Lillard contributed 21 points. With 8:06 remaining in the third quarter, Lillard made his 2,451st career 3-pointer, surpassing Kyle Korver to take fifth place in NBA history.

In the In-Season Tournament semifinals on Thursday night, the Pacers defeated the Bucks 128-119 behind 22 points apiece from Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner.

With 3:40 remaining in the third quarter, Antetokounmpo scored on a drive to put the Bucks ahead 96-80, but the Pacers were still ahead 101-94 going into the fourth.

With 21 points in the first half, Antetokounmpo helped the Bucks take a 70-63 lead.

Milwaukee Bucks' Andre Jackson Jr. reacts after his dunk during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

.

Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard drives by Indiana Pacers' Bruce Brown during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)