Giannis’ 31-point, 20-rebound night leaves teammates in awe: ‘Best player in the world’

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors did everything they could.

When Giannis Antetokounmpo brought the ball up the floor, they picked him up 94 feet and pressured him the whole way. When he caught it in the post, they sent immediate 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 the glass. He got to the rim. He found open teammates. He did it all on his way to 31 points, 20 rebounds and seven assists in the Bucks’ 122-116 win on Friday night.

Giannis coast to coast! 😤 pic.twitter.com/WJxmCHYLYp

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 25, 2025

“I mean, like, 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 just affects the game in so many different ways (that) maybe it’s why you’re not checking like, ‘Oh, he’s got 20 rebounds, too.’ You’re looking at the (31) points, you’re looking at the seven assists, you’re looking at him holding down the paint and locking stuff down.

“He’s a heck of a player, man. It’s really different getting to see him every day in practice and in games than seeing him a couple times a year. I’m like, ‘Yo, this dude’s a beast.’”

While it might be new for Anthony, those who have spent years around Antetokounmpo know he is capable of such casual dominance whenever he steps on the floor. Friday’s game was the seventh in 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 gotta match their physicality and match their energy,” said Antetokounmpo. “And that was my mindset coming into this game because I know that they have guys that will pick me up full court and make it very tough for me all game long.

“This is what I’ve been seeing the last couple years whenever I play here and I just had the mindset of just play with energy and make plays.”

Per 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 through two games! https://t.co/UHlZgKPOaL pic.twitter.com/hZPqOeIrsT

— NBA History (@NBAHistory) October 25, 2025

Behind Antetokounmpo’s dominant play, the Bucks have won their first two games. They now head to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers (1-1), their Central Division rival, on Sunday.

“Giannis had a terrific performance tonight, 30 and 20, a monster,” said Bucks guard Gary Trent, who added 20 points and four assists. “It was much needed. We needed all of it.”