Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a one-game absence and dominated the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, scoring 37 points in just 27 minutes to lead Milwaukee to a 127-114 win.
Antetokounmpo, who initially was listed as questionable with a right quad tendon injury that caused him to miss Wednesday’s win over the Pelicans, had 17 points in the final quarter. He added 11 rebounds, two assists and a steal to lead the Bucks to their 17th consecutive win.
Antetokounmpo, the reigning MVP and a top candidate to repeat, missed his first game of the season Wednesday. He was upgraded to probable late Friday afternoon before the Bucks announced he would play.
Antetokounmpo has been on a tear to start the season, entering Friday’s game with averages of 30.9 points, 13.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists in just 31.6 minutes per game.
The Bucks are tied with the Lakers for the best record in the league at 23-3.