The 17,341 fans inside Fiserv Forum went wild for their team’s star player in the middle of the fourth quarter on Sunday night, not for another amazing block or slam that defies gravity, but for a pass back. When Giannis Antetokounmpo grabbed Tari Eason’s missed shot at 7:50, he passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the Milwaukee Bucks‘ all-time leader in boards.
Antetokounmpo now has 7,165 career boards. He had 26 PTS and 17 REB in the Bucks’ 128–119 win over the Rockets.
He also holds the team records for points, rebounds, and assists for the Bucks. Only four players in NBA history have led a franchise in all three categories. These three guys are likely known to you: Kevin Garnett (Minnesota Timberwolves), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), and Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls).
“It’s a big compliment,” Antetokounmpo said. “Nobody can ever take this away from you. Obviously, there’s going to be another player that’s going to come along in a couple years that’s going to break all of the records, the same way that I don’t think anybody assumed that they would break Kareem’s record. That a kid from Greece, a skinny kid from Greece that was drafted, supposed to play in the G League, would be in a position to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record. I don’t think anybody thought about that.
“So, I know for sure there’s going to be somebody that’s going to come along in time and he’s going to break all the records that Kareem set, Oscar Robertson, Marques Johnson, myself, Khris, and, hopefully, if I’m not busy with kids and I’m not on the island enjoying my life, I’m going to be here and celebrating him and applauding him.”
Bucks all-time leaders
The team records for most games played (744), Antetokounmpo holds blocks (936) and triple-doubles (36). However, he has yet to master making 3-pointers. It’s a long way behind Khris Middleton, who has 1,281 made 3s and is in first place with 504 made 3s.
Middleton was eager to make his record with the team known in the locker room.
When Middleton was asked if he thought Antetokounmpo would hold all of these club records a decade ago, he laughed and said, “Hell nah, hell nah.” But it’s great, now he’s got everything — except for the three-ball. He hates when people say that.”
Almost as if on cue, Antetokounmpo spoke up to let him know he was also coming for that one.
“It might take me 20 years, but I’m gonna get it,” Antetokounmpo said.
