New York (AP) – Giannis Antetokounmpo has replaced the legendary Kareem-Abdul Jabbar as the best pitcher in the history of the Milwaukee Bucks, giving his team an enormously important victory in the NBA.
The Greek scored 44 points in the 120-119 against the Brooklyn Nets – and passed Jabbar with a three-pointer that equalized and forced overtime. The all-time leading pitcher in NBA history had 14,211 points while with the Bucks, with Antetokounmpo now standing at 14,216.
Before the duel with the Los Angeles Clippers, the Bucks are now in second place in the Eastern Conference, just behind leaders Miami Heat. The Nets, on the other hand, have to slowly but surely come to terms with only getting into the playoffs via qualification. The Nets certainly have at least this chance.
Hawks victory ensures clear conditions
Because the Atlanta Hawks won their home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers 131-107, neither team beyond tenth place has a chance to qualify. The NBA season ends after the main round for the New York Knicks, the Washington Wizards, the Indiana Pacers, the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic.
All open to the west
In the West, on the other hand, the situation is not so clear. The Los Angeles Lakers also lost their away game to the Utah Jazz. The 109:122 was equivalent to falling back to eleventh place behind the San Antonio Spurs. The record champion still has hope of securing tenth place and, according to media reports, can at least rely on Anthony Davis again in the home game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday evening. It is unclear whether LeBron James, who recently suffered from ankle pain, can play.
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