Kendrick Perkins uncovers inspiration behind Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 55-point show: “NBA players & superstars they lie”

After Giannis Antetokounmpo erupted for a career-high 55 points to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 123-113 victory over the Washington Wizards, ESPN's Kendrick Perkins shared a secret to some players' mentalities.

Antetokounmpo's offensive masterclass on Tuesday was a treat, especially after the Bucks (24-13) had dropped five of their previous six games. The 2021 champion was in a different zone and is averaging 47.7 points, 17.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists in his last three games.

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Perkins said that Antetokounmpo's mentality helped him score more than 50 points. On "NBA Today," the former center talked not only about Giannis' mentality and approach to the game, but also those of other players in the league.

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"You know, NBA players and superstars, they lie," Perkins said. "They lie to the media, they lie in their postgame interviews and they tell us how, 'We're not worried about individual numbers. We're worried about team goals.' And that's OK, but they're worrying about individual numbers, and they're worrying about what other players are doing around the league, and that's a great thing.

"I'm looking at Giannis' mentality. He took 33 shots last night. That's not our typical Giannis. Giannis Antetokounmpo usually get buckets on 19 to 20 shots a night, efficiently.

"He saw what Luka did to the (New York) Knicks (60 points). He saw Donovan Mitchell put up that 71-piece wing dinner. He see the numbers and the triple-doubles that (Nikola) Jokic is putting up. So, he said, 'If LeBron (James) can put up 47 at the age of 38, watch what I do. Imma go out here and get 55.'"

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Antetokounmpo, averaging 32.8 points per game, has been continuously putting up legendary performances this season, becoming one of the MVP favorites.

The Bucks will try to get their second win in a row against the Toronto Raptors (16-21) on Wednesday night.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo credits his team after putting up a spectacular statline

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Part of what makes Giannis Antetokounmpo great is that he always gives props to the Bucks whenever he finishes a legendary performance. He was interviewed after the game and shared how he was able to do what he did against the Wizards.

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"At the end of the day, we're a great team," said Antetokounmpo, who popped the "Milwaukee" written across his jersey numerous times in the closing moments. "We play together, we win together, we lose together, we do it all together. That's what Milwaukee's about. I'm happy that I'm able to have teammates like that."

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Antetokounmpo's output against Washington marked his third game of 43 or more points in the past four games. He's hit 40 at least eight times this season. And people can expect him to put up close to similar stats.

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