Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Giannis Achieves Feat Even LeBron James Hasn’t Accomplished

Originally posted on The Forkball | By Chris Kirschenbaum | Last updated 4/17/24

Even though he missed the last few games of the season due to a calf issue, Giannis Antetokounmpo still made history, accomplishing a feat more times than any other player in NBA history.

Antetokounmpo finished the 2023-24 season averaging 30.4 points per game, and 31.2 points per 36 minutes. It is the sixth straight year in which he has accomplished that feat, standing testament to how skilled the Greek Freak truly is.

Standing Alone

Even more outstanding is the fact that no other player has ever accomplished the feat in league history more times than Antetokounmpo has. Michael Jordan was the closest, accomplishing the feat four times. Wilt Chamberlain, one of the game’s all-time greats, only did it twice. And current legend LeBron James has never accomplished the feat in his 20-year career.

Giannis finishes the year averaging 30.4 ppg and 31.2 pts/36 min — his SIXTH straight year averaging >30 pts/36.

No one else has done that more than 4x (some guy named Jordan). Wilt only did it 2x. KD/LeBron never did it. Giannis = one of the most dominant scorers in history. pic.twitter.com/6465Lgwwxr
— Frank Madden (@fmaddenNBA) April 13, 2024

The Milwaukee Bucks superstar has averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists this season. In 73 games played, he has shot 61.1 percent from the field. The only problem is that he has missed the last few games due to a calf injury sustained last Tuesday against the Boston Celtics.

Injury Uncertainties

It was a non-contact injury, but has still kept him sidelined since it was sustained. Calf injuries are finicky, and the Bucks do not want Antetokounmpo to injure it further. But with the playoffs fast approaching, the Bucks’ playoff run will be short-lived if they do not get him back in time.

Highest FG% At The Rim (Minimum 400 Attempts)

1. Giannis (77.7%)
2. Davis (75.7%)
3. Gobert (73.8%)
4. LeBron (73.3%)
5. Allen (72.6%)
6. Gordon (70.8%)
7. Siakam (70.7%)
8. Jokić (70.3%)
9. Sabonis (69.7%)
10. Shai (69.6%)
11. Edwards (69.1%)
12. Franz (67.5%) pic.twitter.com/YKKQ4qZpPU
— Ball (@BallMuse23) April 17, 2024

The Bucks finished with the third seed in the Eastern Conference after being in second place for much of the season’s duration. They dropped to third on the final day of the season after losing to the Orlando Magic, combined with the New York Knicks’ thrilling 120-119 overtime win over the Chicago Bulls.

The Bucks will face the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs. On paper, that seems like a matchup Milwaukee can win, but if they are without Antetokounmpo, it will be a tall hill to surmount.

This article first appeared on The Forkball and was syndicated with permission.

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