Giannis Antetokounmpo leads Milwaukee Bucks to a big win over Dallas Mavericks
The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Dallas Mavericks 132-117 at the American Airlines Center, winning their sixth game in the last seven – thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
It was the first time the Bucks faced the Mavericks after the controversial trade of Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis, but Davis was out with an injury for this game.
The Bucks took control in the second half of the second quarter, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Brook Lopez leading the charge.
Milwaukee turned a small deficit into a 23-point lead by limiting Dallas to just 10 points in the second half and 16 points in the third quarter. The Bucks’ offensive power proved too much for the Mavericks’ weakened defence, with Antetokounmpo and Lillard setting up three-pointers for Taurean Prince and Gary Trent Jr., who scored 20 points.
Despite Kyrie Irving’s 31 points for Dallas, he struggled with his shooting, making only 9 of 23 attempts.
With the win, Milwaukee improved to 34-25, their best record of the season, while Dallas dropped to 32-29.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers had previously praised the strong partnership between Giannis and Lillard, and the duo showed their value again, combining for 57 points, 15 assists, and going 19-for-21 from the free-throw line. Lillard finished with 28 points, six assists, and six rebounds, while Antetokounmpo added 29 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds.
Even though he was limping after landing awkwardly in the first quarter, Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma played through the pain and finished with 32 minutes on the court.
