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Andrew LopezESPN
MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo saw it coming.
The Milwaukee Bucks star was about to begin a postgame court interview when out of the corner of his eye he saw his teammates standing in the dugout. And he knows well those who have conspired.
As more teammates emerged, Antetokounmpo slowly began to work his way back from the baseline to the half court.
He eventually accepted his fate and his teammates showered him to celebrate another great performance — 50 points and 13 rebounds on 20-of-26 shooting in 30 minutes of action as the Bucks downed the New Orleans Pelicans 135-110 on Sunday.
Normally, the postgame shower is reserved for the locker room, but the teammates decided it should be held on the court.
“We can do it in front of everybody,” Bucks guard Jrue Holiday said. “It really just goes to show how much we appreciate him. It’s amazing for him to go out there and do that, no matter how many times you score 50 points.”
It was the fifth 50-point regular season game of Antetokounmpo’s career and the second this month — he has had multiple 50-point games in the same season. He had a game-high 55 points on Jan. 3 against the Detroit Pistons. He also joined Joel Embiid as the only players with multiple 50-point, 10-rebound games this season.
Antetokounmpo had 18 points in the first quarter to get off to a fast start and never looked back. He had 29 points in the second half after his first-half high.
Holiday said Antetokounmpo takes it easy and knows exactly what to do when he starts like he did on Sunday.
“It’s a great time,” Holiday said. “Everybody gets on his shoulder and we’re just along for the ride. At that point, we have to back him up. If he gives it to us, make the shot. But most of the time, we know who it is. He’s going to carry us.”
Bucks center Brook Lopez says it’s “fun to watch” Antetokounmpo play the way he has.
“He came to the court with his usual determination,” Lopez said. “He wasn’t settled. He was just getting to the rim and finishing the way he could. Those are tough finishes, and he was still making them.”
Antetokounmpo entered the fourth quarter with 35 points and was sitting on 44 points before hitting back-to-back 3-pointers to hit 50 late in the fourth quarter.
He admitted he knew he was late to the 50-point mark while making 3-pointers.
“I know if I can get back up, I can make a shot,” Antetokounmpo said. “It doesn’t always work, but tonight, I didn’t hesitate, I was able to put my feet under the shot. I stayed there and just watched the ball go in.
“It’s one of those moments that you can’t take for granted because you never know when you’ll get those moments again.”
Antetokounmpo immediately turned his attention to the Charlotte Hornets, who the Bucs will play on Tuesday night. The teams last played on Jan. 6, with the Hornets winning 138-109.
That night, Antetokounmpo finished with nine points and four rebounds on 2-of-7 shooting, a far cry from his efficient night against the Pelicans on Sunday.
“I thought 50 on 26 shots tonight was amazing,” Bucs coach Mike Budenholzer said. “Everything he did, his aggressiveness. A couple 3s, especially late. But he is shooting it well. If we can generate some for him and build some confidence in that area, it’s one thing to have a few more catches and shoot. Getting to the free throw line and working on that are areas where he will continue to improve.
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