Key Takeaways:
- Giannis became the first NBA player to record 35 points, 20 assists, and 17 rebounds in a single game
- Career-high 20 assists fueled Antetokounmpo’s eighth triple-double of the season
- Adem Bona recorded a personal best with 28 points in a losing effort for the Sixers
Triple-Double Masterclass Etches Giannis into NBA History
Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a once-in-a-generation performance to spearhead the Milwaukee Bucks to a commanding 126-113 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Greek superstar made history on Thursday by becoming the first player in NBA history to notch a triple-double consisting of at least 35 points, 20 assists, and 17 rebounds in a single game.
“It feels good,” Antetokounmpo said postgame. “I feel like I’ll talk about it with my kids or my grandkids when I’m retired.” His remarkable effort marked his eighth triple-double of the 2024-25 NBA regular season and set a new personal record with 20 assists.
🙌🗣 Giannis ranks monster triple-double as a tale for his grandkids. pic.twitter.com/biio7S2GCm
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) April 4, 2025
Giannis’ Stat Line: A Night for the Ages
Playing through a left foot sprain that initially had him listed as probable, Antetokounmpo logged nearly 39 minutes at the Wells Fargo Center. Not only did he dominate as a playmaker, but he also maintained efficiency across the board, going 12-of-19 from the field, including a perfect 1-of-1 from beyond the arc. The performance also included two steals to round out a truly complete display.
| Antetokounmpo’s numbers against Philadelphia 76ers | |
|---|---|
| Points | 35 |
| Rebounds | 17 |
| Assists | 20 (career-high) |
| Field Goals | 12/19 (11/18 2PT, 1/1 3PT) |
| Steals | 2 |
“I love handling the ball. I love playing also off the ball. When you’re the primary ballhandler, you just got to keep on making good decisions for the team,” he explained during his postgame interview, reflecting on the growth of his playmaking role within the team offence.
Bucks Adapt After Rivers Exit
Milwaukee encountered a challenge early on as head coach Doc Rivers exited the game in the first half due to illness. Assistant coach Darvin Ham stepped in and handled the team for the remainder of the contest. Under Ham’s guidance, the Bucks maintained composure and pace, ultimately overpowering the 76ers down the stretch.
Bright Spot for Philly: Bona and Yabusele Shine Despite Defeat
On the other side, Philadelphia’s Adem Bona delivered his best performance in the NBA to date. The 22-year-old Turkish centre started for Nick Nurse’s side and tallied a career-high 28 points. He was an efficient 13-of-15 from two-point range and added six rebounds, three blocks, and two steals in under 35 minutes.
French forward Guerschon Yabusele also returned effectively from injury. Playing 35 minutes after a right knee sprain, he contributed 22 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal as the 76ers attempted to rally in the absence of their regular starters.
Looking Ahead
The Bucks, buoyed by Antetokounmpo’s historic outing, will carry momentum as they search for consistency down the stretch of the regular season. Meanwhile, the Sixers will be looking to regroup and get back to full fitness as they aim to stabilise their play-off positioning.