Giannis Antetokounmpo scores NBA season-high 59, Bucks rally from 18-point deficit past Pistons

On a night when Victor Wembanyama scored 50 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo augmented the young Spurs star.

He elevated him to be precise.

The Bucks star posted 59 points to lead Milwaukee to a 127-120 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. He topped off with 11 points in the five-minute overtime session to secure the win in front of a Bucks home crowd.

He had a shot at 60, but chose to dribble out the clock in the final seconds with his Bucks leading by seven points. As usual, Antetokounmpo did most of his damage near the basket and had a near perfect night at the free throw line on a 16-of-17 effort. He also hit his only 3-pointer on a pull-up shot of the overtime win to extend Milwaukee’s lead to 119-111.

The 59 points are the most by a player in the NBA this season. Wembanyama briefly tied for the season lead with Paolo Banchero, who scored 50 points for the Magic in an Oct. 28 win over the Indiana Pacers.

Antetokounmpo added 14 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and two steals in a monster night to rally the Bucks from an 18-point deficit. The scoring outburst is below Antetokounmpo’s career-high 64, which he scored last December in a win over the Pacers.

The win was much needed for a Bucks team that has struggled out of the gates this season. Led by longtime All-Stars Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Bucks began the seasons with hopes of challenging the reigning champion Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference. Instead, they limped to a 2-8 start before Wednesday’s win in one of the most disappointing starts in the NBA.

Antetokounmpo posted his 59-point effort without Lillard on the court. Lillard missed a second straight game Wednesday with a concussion he suffered Sunday.

This story will be updated.