Giannis Antetokounmpo surpassed the 32-minute limit set by Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers in their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. Rivers aimed to protect the two-time NBA MVP from further aggravating a left calf strain by restricting his playing time.
Despite playing 32 minutes and 37 seconds, Antetokounmpo put up impressive numbers with 28 points, 19 rebounds, and seven assists in a 121-112 victory over Denver at Fiserv Forum. He was on the bench as the Bucks surged ahead, establishing a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter.
With 2:20 left in the game, Denver narrowed the gap to 111-106, but Antetokounmpo’s crucial free throws after grabbing an offensive rebound extended Milwaukee’s lead to seven. He then sank a jumper following a Nuggets turnover, pushing the Bucks to a 115-106 advantage.
Apart from Antetokounmpo’s stellar performance, Brook Lopez contributed 22 points, while Damian Lillard scored 19 and Kyle Kuzma added 16. The Bucks have been in good form, winning five of their last six games and eight of their past 10. Their record stands at 33-25, maintaining a half-game lead over the Detroit Pistons for the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.
In a showdown between multiple MVP winners, Nikola Jokić recorded his 27th triple-double of the season with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, shooting an impressive 13-of-16 from the field.
Jamal Murray chipped in with 20 points, while Christian Braun contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds for Denver, who suffered their second loss in three games after a nine-game winning streak. The Nuggets now trail the Memphis Grizzlies by half a game for the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference. Denver coach Michael Malone expressed frustration over the Bucks’ 28-11 advantage in free throws during the fourth quarter.
The Bucks will have a break until Saturday when they face the Dallas Mavericks on the road. Meanwhile, Denver will play the second game of a back-to-back on Friday as they continue their road trip against the Pistons.