Giannis Antetokounmpo looked every bit the reigning MVP as he guided the Milwaukee Bucks to a thrilling 121-119 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Greek Freak poured in 24 of his game-high 35 points in the second half, adding 16 rebounds and shooting an efficient 13-of-19 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.
The Mean Mug is out in OKC!!#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/ssLPdZWWVI
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 11, 2019
He's now scored 30+ points in his past five games, becoming the first Bucks player to do so since Marques Johnson in 1978.
Eric Bledsoe added 25 points and nine assists for the Bucks, who have won five of their past six games, but it was Brook Lopez who proved to be the hero, coming up with the big bucket down the stretch to seal the win.
CLUTCH. MOUNTAIN.#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/gper8IaARQ
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 11, 2019
After Danilo Gallinari's three-pointer tied the game at 114-114 with 32.3 seconds remaining, Lopez drained the clutch three-pointer on the next play to put his team up 117-114 with 24.5 seconds remaining.
Gallinari missed a chance to tie it with a three, before George Hill buried two free throws to ice the game.
Dennis Schroder led the Thunder with 25 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his hot start to the season with 22 points, six rebounds and six assists.
The Bucks will be sweating on the health of Khris Middleton who left today's game with a bruised thigh midway through the third quarter.
Left thigh contusion for Khris Middleton. He will not return, per @BucksPR.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) November 11, 2019
Middleton collided with Thunder wing Terrance Ferguson, who's knee made contact with his thigh as he tried to drive around a Lopez screen. He stayed in the game to shoot free throws after a blocking foul was called on Ferguson, but was subbed out on the next possession, heading straight to the locker room.
Middleton exited the game with 10 points, five assists and four rebounds.