Giannis Surpasses 20,000 Points as Bucks Beat Mavericks

MILWAUKEE, Wisc. — Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo scored his 20,000th career point during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Fiserv Forum on March 5, 2025.

Antetokounmpo reached the milestone in the third quarter, becoming one of the fastest players in NBA history to achieve this feat. Fans erupted as he sank a jumper from the baseline, marking a significant moment in his career. Despite the personal achievement, the Bucks triumphed over the Mavericks, securing a 112-105 victory.

“It feels amazing to be part of such a milestone,” Antetokounmpo said post-game. “But I wouldn’t have reached it without my teammates pushing me every day.” The MVP candidate finished the game with 38 points, contributing significantly to a hard-fought win against a determined Mavericks squad.

For Dallas, guard Jaden Hardy led the scoring with 27 points, while center Dwight Powell added 18 points and 10 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Mavericks fell short in the final quarter, unable to generate enough offense to close the gap.

Milwaukee came out strong in the first half, leading 58-49 at the break, with Antetokounmpo displaying his full array of skills, including strong drives to the rim and precision shooting from the perimeter.

The Bucks remain a top contender in the Eastern Conference, and their victory against the Mavericks bolsters their standing. Head coach Mike Budenholzer praised his team for the effort against a tough opponent.

“We knew the Mavericks would come at us hard,” Budenholzer said. “But we executed our game plan efficiently, and it was great to see Giannis reach such a landmark in his career.” The victory was Milwaukee’s third consecutive win, keeping momentum as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.

As for the Mavericks, they will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup. Coach Jason Kidd emphasized that despite the loss, there were positive aspects to take away. “We need to build on the intensity and continue improving,” said Kidd. “We’ve shown we can compete; now we need to turn these close games into wins.”