The Milwaukee Bucks avoided a third straight loss as they overcame the Chicago Bulls, helped by strong showings from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis. Bucks coach Adrian Griffin praised Antetokounmpo for a “phenomenal” display. Damian Lillard also returned from injury. The Toronto Raptors came from 23 points down to beat the Washington Wizards
Giannis Antetokounmpo “took things into his own hands” as the Milwaukee Bucks returned to winning ways with a 118-109 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
The Bucks had lost their previous two games, but bounced back to overcome the Bulls.
They got 35 points and 11 rebounds from Antetokounmpo, while Bobby Portis had 19 points and 10 rebounds.
On Antetokounmpo, Bucks coach Adrian Griffin said: “He was phenomenal the whole game.
“We needed him down the stretch, and he kind of took things in his own hands.
“We got a little bit stagnant. We were kind of sanding and watching, and we just gotta to keep executing, but he was able to put his head down and get to the rim and get to the free throw line and that’s what you need down the stretch.”
The Bucks were also boosted by the return of Damian Lillard, who missed the last two games with injury.
Lillard scored 12 points and made four free throws in the fourth quarter as the Bucks closed out the win.
“There was a couple stretches where we were getting a little stagnant and he was able to get to the free throw line, and that’s huge,” Griffin said.
“Especially in the play-offs, in the fourth quarter, you’ve got to find some way to get high percentage shots and the free throw, obviously, is the highest percentage shot you can get.”
Lillard, who played 32 minutes, said: “I felt pretty good.
“If I didn’t feel good enough to play, I wouldn’t have played.
“But I think any time you miss time, especially when you’re already kind of behind to begin with, it’s going to have some sort of effect. But given the circumstances, I felt pretty good.”
Elsewhere, the Toronto Raptors came from 23 points down to beat the Washington Wizards 111-107.
Pascal Siakam starred with a season-high 39 points, including 22 in the third quarter.
“He drove us all the way,” Raptors forward Chris Boucher said.
“It shows how competitive he is, but also how much he cares about this team.
“Every time you come back in a game down 20, it’s amazing. Definitely happy with the win, but we don’t want any games like that.”
The Boston Celtics beat the New York Knicks 114-98 and the Sacramento Kings beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 132-120
