Giannis Antetokounmpo's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Nigerian-Greek professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks, is known as the "Greek Freak" due to his exceptional size, speed, and strength. He is considered one of the greatest players and power forwards in NBA history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1968: Comparison to Wilt Chamberlain

In 1968, Wilt Chamberlain achieved a similar feat to Giannis Antetokounmpo, marking a significant milestone in NBA history.

1971: Bucks previous NBA championship

In 2021, Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to their first NBA championship since 1971

1972: First Player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

In 1972, Giannis Antetokounmpo became the first player to total 200+ points, 80+ rebounds, and 30+ assists over a 5-game span since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

1976: Multiple 40/20/5 Games

Since the NBA–ABA Merger in the 1976–77 season, Charles Barkley and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the only players to have multiple games of 40 points, 20 rebounds and 5 assists.

2000: Joined Shaquille O'Neal in Finals Record

In 2000, Giannis Antetokounmpo joined Shaquille O'Neal as the only players to register back-to-back games with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds in the NBA Finals.

2000: First player since Shaquille O'Neal to tally 60+ points without a made three-point basket

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was the last player before Giannis Antetokounmpo to score 60 or more points without making a three-point basket.

2001: Comparison to Dirk Nowitzki

In 2001, Dirk Nowitzki had the highest point total in a EuroBasket game until Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 41 points in 2022.

2011: First European Finals MVP since Dirk Nowitzki

In 2011, Giannis Antetokounmpo became the first European since Dirk Nowitzki to be named NBA Finals MVP.

May 9, 2013: Issued Greek citizenship

On May 9, 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo was issued Greek citizenship, which allowed him to travel outside the country and effectively ended his stateless status.

2014: Youngest Finals MVP since Kawhi Leonard

In 2014, Giannis Antetokounmpo at 26 years, 226 days old, became the youngest NBA Finals MVP since Kawhi Leonard.

February 6, 2015: Career high in points and rebounds

On February 6, 2015, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a then career-high 27 points and 15 rebounds in a game against the Houston Rockets.

February 22, 2016: First Career Triple-Double

On February 22, 2016, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his first career triple-double with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 108–101 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the youngest Buck to achieve this.

2016: Leading the Bucks in statistical categories

In the 2016-17 NBA season, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks in all five major statistical categories. He also became the first player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in total points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.

April 3, 2017: Eastern Conference Player of the Month

On April 3, 2017, Giannis Antetokounmpo was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month for games played in March, marking his first such award and the first for a Buck since January 2004.

2017: NBA Most Improved Player

In the 2016-17 NBA season, Giannis Antetokounmpo received the NBA Most Improved Player award.

2019: NBA Most Valuable Player Award

In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo won his first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

January 23, 2020: All-Star Game captain

On January 23, 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo was named an All-Star Game captain, alongside LeBron James, for the second consecutive year.

September 18, 2020: Second Consecutive MVP Award

On September 18, 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo won his second consecutive Most Valuable Player award, joining Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan as the only players to win MVP and NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season.

2020: NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year

In 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo won his second consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

October 19, 2021: Receives First NBA Championship Ring

On October 19, 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo received his first NBA championship ring in the pre-game ceremony and recorded 32 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists in a 127–104 season-opening win over the Nets.

2021: NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship since 1971 and was named Finals MVP.

January 13, 2022: Multiple 30-Point Triple-Doubles in 30 Minutes

On January 13, 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to a 118–99 win over the Golden State Warriors with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 blocks in less than thirty minutes. He became the first player to record multiple 30-point triple-doubles in 30 minutes and tied Michael Jordan's career mark of 28 triple-doubles.

August 25, 2022: Scored career-high 40 points for national team

On August 25, 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo achieved a national team career-high of 40 points, along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists, in a 94–100 overtime loss to Serbia in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.

2022: Franchise Career Free Throws Leader

In 2022, Giannis Antetokounmpo became the franchise career free throws leader, surpassing Sidney Moncrief.

January 24, 2024: Recorded 42nd career triple-double against the Cavaliers

On January 24, 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo achieved his 42nd career triple-double, contributing 35 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 blocks in a 126–116 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

July 10, 2024: Named Flag Bearer for Paris 2024 Olympic Games

On July 10, 2024, the Greek Olympic Committee designated Giannis Antetokounmpo, along with race walker Antigoni Drisbioti, as the flag bearer for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, recognizing his sporting achievements.

November 13, 2024: Scored 59 points in Overtime Win Against Pistons

On November 13, 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 59 points, along with 14 rebounds and seven assists, in a 127–120 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons.

2024: NBA Cup MVP

In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to win the 2nd edition of the NBA Cup, where he was named NBA Cup MVP.

January 2, 2025: Longest streak in NBA history

On January 2, 2025, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 27 points on 12-of-24 shooting, 13 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets. It was his 26th straight game with at least 20 points scored on 50% or better shooting from the field, the longest streak in NBA history.