Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a triple-double in the team’s 117-111 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday night — at least that’s what the stat sheet says.
The former NBA Most Valuable Player had 23 points and 13 assists and late in the game needed just one more rebound to solidify his fourth triple-double of the season. He intentionally rebounded his missed shot to secure the mark. He dribbled toward the basket and shot the ball off the backboard to rebound.
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Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, #34, beats Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill, #16, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Washington. , DC (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
«I was thinking about scoring the ball, but I feel like in those situations it’s better to keep the ball,» Antetokounmpo told reporters after the game. «But yeah, I’m just trying to play the game smart and I did draw one.»
Antetokounmpo summoned shadows of former Atlanta Hawks guard Bob Sura and former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Davis with the move.
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Sura was with the Hawks for 27 games during the 2003-04 season. He tried to record his third straight triple-double in a game when he purposely missed a layup to get his own rebound. The NBA would void the shot because Sura had no intention of making the field goal attempt.
Miami Heat #3 Bob Sura dribbles the ball up court against the Atlanta Hawks during the game at Philips Arena on March 31, 2004 in Atlanta. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Davis was one rebound short for the first triple-double of his career in 2003. He took an upfield pass and dribbled to the other side of the court to intentionally miss for the rebound. The act caused widespread outrage in the NBA, including from then-Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan.
It is unclear if the stat line will still count.
Guard Ricky Davis, #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, stands with his hands on hips during the NBA game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. (Jamie Squire/NBAE/Getty Images)
Milwaukee moved within 1.5 games of the Boston Celtics for first place in the Eastern Conference with the win.
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Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is fouled by Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Washington. , DC Wizards guard Delon Wright is on the right. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
«We feel like we have a lot of depth,» Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. «We have a lot of guys who are good shooters who can get hot from 3-point range. So that’s part of a good team and being able to play back-to-back and get through the season and be playoff-ready.»
Associated Press contributed to this report.