Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes franchise blocks leader as Milwaukee Bucks end Rockets’ streak

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo became the franchise leader for career blocked shots on Friday night while leading Milwaukee to a 123-114 victory against the Houston Rockets, snapping their seven-game winning streak.

Antetokounmpo filled up the stat sheet with 41 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks, moving past Alton Lister to claim yet another record in Bucks history. Antetokounmpo, whose 1.7 blocks per game is his highest mark since the 2016-17 season, also holds the franchise records for free throw attempts, defensive rebounds and triple doubles.

“It’s big time. Great compliment to my career,” Antetokounmpo said about setting the record. “But I’ve got to keep getting better. Got to keep defending better. … It’s great to accomplish something like that in my career, but I’ve got to keep on moving forward, keep on getting better and keep helping my teammates win games.”

Antetokounmpo shot 4 of 13 and finished with just 15 points in the Bucks loss to the Miami Heat on Wednesday and he didn’t think he played aggressively enough. He responded on Friday, knocking down 15 of 19 field goals while making 10 of 14 free throws. It’s the second time this season Antetokounmpo has recorded 40 points, 15 rebounds and five assists.

The rest of the NBA has one such game (Joel Embiid), according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

“He just wanted to come out and set the tone, especially after we dropped one against Miami,” Bucks forward Khris Middleton said. “That was the main thing, just come out be aggressive and get a win.”

The Rockets had been one of the hottest teams in the NBA before they ran into the Bucks, who were coming off a disappointing loss against the Heat without Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo.

That was the first loss Milwaukee had suffered this season with Antetokounmpo, Middleton and Jrue Holiday all in the lineup, but the Bucks responded against the suddenly competitive Rockets, who went on their winning streak after a 15-game…