Oct 30, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and guard Damian Lillard (0) looks on during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Even though he missed the last few games of the season due to a calf issue, Giannis Antetokounmpo still made history, accomplishing a feat more times than any other player in NBA history.
Antetokounmpo finished the 2023-24 season averaging 30.4 points per game, and 31.2 points per 36 minutes. It is the sixth straight year in which he has accomplished that feat, standing testament to how skilled the Greek Freak truly is.
Standing Alone
Even more outstanding is the fact that no other player has ever accomplished the feat in league history more times than Antetokounmpo has. Michael Jordan was the closest, accomplishing the feat four times. Wilt Chamberlain, one of the game’s all-time greats, only did it twice. And current legend LeBron James has never accomplished the feat in his 20-year career.
The Milwaukee Bucks superstar has averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists this season. In 73 games played, he has shot 61.1 percent from the field. The only problem is that he has missed the last few games due to a calf injury sustained last Tuesday against the Boston Celtics.
Injury Uncertainties
It was a non-contact injury, but has still kept him sidelined since it was sustained. Calf injuries are finicky, and the Bucks do not want Antetokounmpo to injure it further. But with the playoffs fast approaching, the Bucks’ playoff run will be short-lived if they do not get him back in time.
The Bucks finished with the third seed in the Eastern Conference after being in second place for much of the season’s duration. They dropped to third on the final day of the season after losing to the Orlando Magic, combined with the New York Knicks’ thrilling 120-119 overtime win over the Chicago Bulls.
The Bucks will face the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs. On paper, that seems like a matchup Milwaukee can win, but if they are without Antetokounmpo, it will be a tall hill to surmount.
