Giannis Antetokounmpo Quotes Mike Tyson Following 59-Point Performance

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Nov 14, 2024 10:46 AM ET

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo refused to let his team lose on Wednesday night, delivering a historic performance to lead the Bucks to a 127-120 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons.

Despite a rough start to the season with a 4-8 record, Antetokounmpo has begun to emerge as the dominant force everyone expected. On Wednesday night, he looked like a man on a mission.

He finished with 59 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and three blocks. He was extremely efficient, shooting 21-of-34 from the field, 16-of-17 from the free-throw line, and 1-of-2 from beyond the arc.

Following the performance, Antetokounmpo channeled his inner Mike Tyson when reflecting on the ejection of Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart, who was thrown out in the second half after a flagrant 2 foul on Antetokounmpo.

“Some guys are manufactured killers, and [Mike Tyson] is a born killer... and I just feel the same way,” Antetokounmpo said.

Giannis quoted Iron Mike when asked how he felt about Isaiah Stewart's flagrant 2 pic.twitter.com/3M92z9nwNZ
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 14, 2024

If the Bucks are going to right the ship and turn their season around, it will have to come on the shoulders of Giannis Antetokounmpo. While Damian Lillard will need to be a crucial factor and the hope is that Khris Middleton returns at some point, the core of this team and how far they can go ultimately depends on Antetokounmpo's performances night in and night out.

The timing of the quote is especially fitting, as the iconic Mike Tyson is set to return to the ring on Friday night in an eight-round boxing match against the up-and-coming Jake Paul, live on Netflix.

Tyson recently used this quote when discussing the comparison between himself and Paul:

“There’s a fundamental difference between me and Jake. He’s a manufactured killer, television and the papers made him a killer. I’m a natural-born killer. That’s the difference.”

This message from Mike Tyson to Jake Paul is one of the coldest I’ve ever heard.. pic.twitter.com/4utLvXARVx
— Wade Plemons (@WadePlem) November 8, 2024

"Iron Mike" is considered one of the greatest boxers of all-time, and hopes to show he still has it. Antetokounmpo not long ago led the Bucks to their second NBA championship in franchise history and would love to do it once again.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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