×

Giannis Antetokounmpo keys Milwaukee Bucks’ 120-119 overtime win over Brooklyn Nets

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, left, is defended by the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant, back right, and Patty Mills during the second half Thursday in New York. (AP photo)

NEW YORK — Giannis Antetokounmpo loved the fact that he became Milwaukee’s career scoring leader on a 3-pointer, so nobody can say he’s just a dunker anymore.

Otherwise, there was no reason for celebrating after passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

“When I’m done we can talk about it, but now there’s no time,” Antetokoumpo said, looking ahead to Friday’s game against the Clippers. “There’s things that have to be done.”

Antetokounmpo’s record-setting 3-pointer forced overtime, and he made two free throws in the final seconds to give the Bucks a 120-119 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night.

The defending NBA champions clinched a return to the postseason with the win, in which Antetokounmpo had 44 points, 14 rebounds and six assists.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, right, defends against Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant during the second half Thursday in New York. The Bucks won 120-119 in overtime. (AP photo)

Jrue Holiday added 19 points and Khris Middleton had 16 before being ejected for a flagrant foul midway through the third quarter.

Kevin Durant had 26 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds for the Nets, but missed a 3-pointer that would have won it. Kyrie Irving scored 25 points and Bruce Brown had 23.

Just as in the memorable end to their second-round series last summer, when the Bucks overcame 48 points from Durant — most ever in a Game 7 — overtime was needed to determine a winner.

The Greek Freak has been dismissed, famously by James Harden, as a great athlete but not necessarily a skilled basketball player. But the NBA Finals MVP has become a confident shooter and his teammates are confident in him.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today