Two days after a loss that Doc Rivers called “deserved,” the Milwaukee Bucks looked on the verge of another misstep Friday at the Fiserv Forum against the Hornets – until Giannis Antetokounmpo flipped the script.

With just seconds left on the clock, the two-time MVP finished a perfect alley-oop from Kevin Porter Jr., hitting the game-winning basket in a 122-121 victory. But Giannis didn’t just score; he helped draw up the play during the timeout, suggesting the scheme to Porter after studying the Hornets’ defense.

Doc was drawing something up, and Giannis saw they were switching a lot, so he gave us this play and we ran it.

Kevin Porter Jr.

Porter executed it perfectly and finished with 10 points and 10 assists, including the one on the game-winning sequence that erased all doubts. Giannis’ mind went back to a November matchup, also against Charlotte, where he’d had a similar chance at the end of regulation and missed.

Giannis’ All-Time Record

I thought about that situation and told Porter what to do: go, come back and pass it to me – I’ll be open.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Porter’s execution was flawless, and the rest is history. It was a special night statistically as well: Giannis finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists, marking 158 career games with at least 30-10-5, an NBA record that moves him past legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson to first all-time.

Back from an eight-game absence with a calf injury, Giannis once again showed why he’s the heartbeat of the Bucks.

The team, buoyed by moments like this, displays character and confidence: when needed, Giannis takes over, but he also involves everyone on the floor with him. It’s a combination of leadership and talent that makes Milwaukee a team that’s tough to underestimate, even in close, tense finishes like this one.

With the win over Charlotte, the Bucks keep their momentum and the belief that with Giannis in this form, no ending is too difficult to manage. Another night to remember for the king of the Fiserv Forum.