Giannis’ 31-point, 20-rebound night leaves teammates impressed: ‘Best player in the world’
TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors did everything they could.
When Giannis Antetokounmpo brought the ball up the floor, they lifted him 94 feet and pressured him the whole way. When he caught it in the post, they immediately went for double teams. The Raptors used every wing on their roster to try to tire out the Bucks’ two-time NBA MVP, but it didn’t matter.
Antetokounmpo never stopped. He attacked in transition. He worked on glass. He got to the edge. He found open teammates. He did everything he could to put up 31 points, 20 rebounds and seven assists in the Bucks’ 122-116 win Friday night.
Giannis from coast to coast! 😤 pic.twitter.com/WJxmCHYLYp
– Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 25, 2025
“I mean, he’s the best player in the world in my opinion,” said Bucks guard Cole Anthony, who contributed 23 points and seven assists. “He’s a beast. And he’s out there and he affects the game in so many different ways (that) maybe that’s why you’re not checking like, ‘Oh, he’s got 20 rebounds too.’ You look at the (31) points, you look at the seven assists, you watch him hold down the paint and lock things down.
“He’s a heck of a player, man. It’s definitely different seeing him every day in practice and in games than seeing him a few times a year. I’m like, ‘Yo, this guy is a beast.'”
While this may be new to Anthony, those who have spent years around Antetokounmpo know that he is capable of such casual dominance every time he steps on the floor. Friday’s game was the seventh of Antetokounmpo’s career in which he scored at least 30 points, grabbed at least 20 rebounds and dished out at least five assists. Antetokounmpo and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić are now tied for the most 30-20-5 games among active players.
“You just have to match their physicality and their energy,” Antetokounmpo said. “And that was my mindset going into this game because I know they have guys that will take me all over the court and make it very difficult for me throughout the game.
“That’s what I’ve seen the last few years every time I play here and I just had the mindset of just playing with energy and making plays.”
According to the NBA, Antetokounmpo is the first player in league history to open a season with 60 or more points, 30 or more rebounds and 10 or more assists in the first two games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes the FIRST player in NBA history to open a season with 60+ PTS, 30+ REB and 10+ AST in two games! https://t.co/UHlZgKPOaL pic.twitter.com/hZPqOeIrsT
– NBA History (@NBAHistory) October 25, 2025
Behind Antetokounmpo’s dominant play, the Bucks won their first two games. They now travel to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers (1-1), their Central Division rival, on Sunday.
“Giannis had a tremendous performance tonight, 30 and 20, monster,” said Bucks guard Gary Trent, who added 20 points and four assists. “It was essential. We needed all of this.”
