Buoyed by scorching-hot shooting and unrelenting energy from their entire rotation, the Portland Trail Blazers and their 26-point lead told the story of a team with its focus set squarely on capturing an upset victory. Both determined and unwilling to allow his new All-Star teammate to picture defeat in his first-ever game against his former franchise, Giannis Antetokounmpo framed the comeback in the best manner he knew how: with poster jams. Faced with a familiar, uphill climb after a slow start, the two-time Most Valuable Player increases his intensity, positioning himself just a step away from the rim in preparation of punishing Portland’s unprepared transition defense. A threat to throwdown from the moment his signature shoes touch the painted area, Antetokounmpo absorbs his teammate’s setup pass before elevating into a fearsome, one-handed flush over Duop Reath’s contest and a staredown to follow. History sided with Antetokounmpo on November 26, 2023, as he engineered the Milwaukee Bucks’ largest comeback since 2012. The 75th Anniversary Team recipient was business-like, recording 33 points — including the game-clinching tip-in — alongside 16 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and three rejections, earning the Bucks’ all-time record for 30-point, 10-rebound, five-assist games (108) in the process. · Nov 26, 2023