Antetokounmpo scores 50 for Bucks; Pelicans lose eighth in row

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 50 factors and 13 rebounds because the Milwaukee Bucks trounced New Orleans 135-110 on Sunday, handing the Pelicans their eighth straight loss.

Anteotkounmpo’s 50 factors have been 5 off the profession excessive he set Jan. 4 in a 123-113 victory over the Washington Wizards. He shot 20 of 26 from the ground, together with 3 of 4 from 3-point vary, and went 7 of 12 on free-throw makes an attempt.

The Bucks by no means trailed and gained their fourth straight as they opened a four-game homestand. Additionally they reached the 130-point mark for the fifth time of their final seven video games.

Antetokounmpo collected 29 factors and 10 rebounds within the first half alone, serving to the Bucks construct a giant lead early. This was Antetokounmpo’s tenth recreation this season with a minimum of 40 factors, tying the profession excessive for 40-point video games that he set final season.

New Orleans was lacking its high three scorers: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram (toe harm on left foot) and CJ McCollum (sprained proper thumb). Jose Alvarado stepped as much as lead the Pelicans with 18 factors, whereas Trey Murphy III and Jonas Valanciunas had 16 every. Jrue Vacation scored 17 and Brook Lopez added 15 for the Bucks, who shot 55.2%.

Antetokounmpo’s scorching begin put the Pelicans in an early gap. The 2-time MVP already had 16 factors halfway by way of the primary quarter. He went 8 of 9 for 18 factors in that opening interval, practically matching New Orleans’ scoring whole whereas serving to the Bucks construct a 37-19 benefit.

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Pelicans: Kira Lewis Jr. performed for the primary time since Jan. 18 and scored 15 factors. …. Larry Nance Jr. had a season-high 12 rebounds … The Pelicans have been outrebounded 57-38. They’d a minus-11 rebound margin Saturday towards the Wizards.

Bucks: Antetokounmpo performed his 695th profession regular-season recreation to tie Sidney Moncrief for second place on the Bucks’ all-time record. The franchise document is owned by Junior Bridgeman, who performed 711 regular-season video games in two stints with the Bucks from 1975-84 and 1986-87. … Middleton got here off the bench for a fourth straight recreation because the Bucks proceed to watch the three-time All-Star’s workload in his return from proper knee soreness. Middleton has performed simply 11 video games this 12 months, lacking time first to get better from offseason wrist surgical procedure and later to take care of his knee situation.

UP NEXT

Pelicans: At Denver on Tuesday within the second recreation of a three-game street swing. The Pelicans have break up two residence matchups with the Nuggets this season.

Bucks: Host Charlotte on Tuesday. The Bucks won at Charlotte, and a month later misplaced to them at home.

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