Stat Padding! Giannis Antetokounmpo Intentionally Misses Last-Second Shot To Secure Triple-Double

Photo Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

We like to think players are so caught up in the game that they don’t notice when they’re approaching a statistical accomplishment. It’s not true.

The newest example of players exactly knowing their stats while in a game however, comes pretty surprising. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has been called a lot of thing throughout his career (mostly positive things), but never a stat-padder… until last night.

With the Milwaukee Bucks leading the Washington Wizards, Antetokounmpo grabbed the rebound of a missed three from Corey Kispert with 11 seconds remaining. Said rebound, was Giannis’ ninth of the game, in addition to his 23 points and 13 assists, leaving him one rebound shy of a triple-double.

So instead of dribbling out the clock, Giannis dribbled to the opposing basket and intentionally missed a layup, in order to collect his 10th rebound – and the triple double – before the final buzzer went off.