Giannis Antetokounmpo scores an NBA season-high 59 to lift the Bucks from an 18-point deficit over the Pistons

On a night where Victor Wembanyama scored 50 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo outscored the Spurs’ young star.

To be precise, he beat him by nine.

The Milwaukee Bucks star scored 59 points to lead Milwaukee to a 127-120 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. He took over with 11 points in five minutes of overtime to secure the victory in front of the Bucks’ home crowd.

He had a chance to make it 60 but decided to dribble in the final seconds while his Bucks held a seven-point lead. As usual, Antetokounmpo did most of his damage near the basket and had a near-perfect night at the free throw line, making 16 of 17 attempts. He also made his only 3-pointer in overtime on a pull-up shot from the wing, extending Milwaukee’s lead to 119-111.

The 59 points are the most scored by a player in the NBA this season. Wembanyama briefly tied for the season lead with Paolo Banchero, who scored 50 points for the Magic in a win over the Indiana Pacers on October 28.

Antetokounmpo added 14 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and two steals in a monster night to help the Bucks rally from an 18-point deficit. The scoring outburst trails Antetokounmpo’s career-high 64 points, which he scored in a win over the Pacers last December.

The win was much needed for a Bucks team that has struggled this season. Led by perennial All-Stars Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Bucks entered the season with hopes of challenging the reigning champion Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference. Instead, they went 2-8 before winning on Wednesday in one of the most disappointing starts in the NBA.

Antetokounmpo scored his 59-point effort without Lillard on the court. Lillard missed the second straight game on Wednesday because of a concussion he suffered on Sunday.

The Pistons appeared to be on their way to victory, holding a 70-52 lead early in the third quarter. But the Bucks took an 85-84 lead at the end of the third quarter and then took a break in the final second of regulation.

Ron Holland had a chance to secure the Pistons victory with two free throws, and the game was tied at 111-111 with one second left. But he missed both shots, sending the game into overtime and opening the door for Antetokounmpo’s heroics.