Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks deliberately misses the jumper to collect an additional rebound for a triple-double:

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks deliberately misses the jumper to collect an additional rebound for a triple-double

 In the team's 117-111 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday night, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a triple-double, at least according to the stats.

With 23 points, 13 assists, and near the end of the game, just one more rebound was required for the two-time NBA MVP to secure his fourth triple-double of the year. In order to make the mark, he purposefully missed the shot and rebounded it. To get a rebound, he dribbled to the basket and threw the ball off the rim.

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On Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Washington, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Milwaukee Bucks forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo, 34, dunks past Washington Wizards forwards Anthony Gill, 16.During the first half of an NBA basketball game on Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Washington, D.C., Milwaukee Bucks forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo, 34, dunks past Washington Wizards forwards Anthony Gill, 16. Nick Wass for AP Photos

After the game, Antetokounmpo said to reporters, "I was thinking of scoring the ball, but I feel like it's best to type of keep the ball in those instances. But I did try to play the game fairly, so I kind of stole one.

With the move, Antetokounmpo evoked memories of Ricky Davis and Bob Sura, two former guards for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks, respectively.

In the crucial moments of the game, MAVERICKS' LUKA DONCIC and SUNS' DEVIN BOOKER square off.

During the 2003–04 season, Sura played in 27 games for the Hawks. Trying to when he purposefully missed a shot to get his own rebound, he went on to score his third straight triple-double in a game. Given that Sura had no intention of attempting the field goal, the NBA would rule the shot to be illegal.

On March 31, 2004 in Atlanta, Bob Sura, number three for the Miami Heat, dribbles the ball up the court in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks.

On March 31, 2004 in Atlanta, Bob Sura, number three for the Miami Heat, dribbles the ball up the court in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks. James Squire/Getty Images )

In 2003, Davis was one rebound away from recording his first triple-double of his career. He received an inbounds pass and moved to the opposite side of the court to purposefully miss.and take the rebounce. Jerry Sloan, then-head coach of the Utah Jazz, was one of several NBA players who were outraged by the incident.

It's uncertain if the stat line will still be taken into account.

At Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, during the NBA game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks, guard Ricky Davis, wearing number 31, stands with his hands on his hips.

At Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, during the NBA game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks, guard Ricky Davis, wearing number 31, stands with his hands on his hips. (Jamie Squire/NBAE/Getty Images) )

The victory gave Milwaukee a 1.5 game lead over the Boston Celtics for first place in the Eastern Conference

On Sunday, March 5, 2023 in Washington, D.C., an NBA basketball game is in progress as Milwaukee Bucks forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo is fouled by Washington Wizards forwards Anthony Gill, on the left. At right is Delon Wright, a guard for the Wizards.

On Sunday, March 5, 2023 in Washington, D.C., an NBA basketball game is in progress as Milwaukee Bucks forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo is fouled by Washington Wizards forwards Anthony Gill, on the left. At right is Delon Wright, a guard for the Wizards. Nick Wass for AP Photos

Coach Mike Budenholzer of the Bucks stated, "We feel like we have a lot of depth. We have a number of players who can shoot well from beyond the arc and have flashes of brilliance. Having a competent team and the ability to communicate is therefore Play consecutive games to get through the season and get ready for the postseason.