DAMIAN Lillard made a big contribution while teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo was sidelined with a hamstring injury, scoring 31 points and dishing out 16 assists in Milwaukee’s 140-129 win over Phoenix. Bobby Portis also contributed 31 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for the Bucks, who strengthened their position in second place in the Eastern Conference.
Lillard, who became the first player in club history to score 30 points and 15 assists in a game, praised Portis and others for being able to perform optimally despite Antetokounmpo’s absence.
In the first half, Lillard scored 14 points and dished out 12 assists as Milwaukee took an 82–60 halftime lead, tying the NBA record held by the Suns and Utah Jazz of hitting 18 3-pointers in the first half.
Portis had 25 points in the first half by shooting 10 of 13, including 5 of 5 3-pointers, while the Bucks overall hit 24 of 41 3-pointers.
Lillard scored 31 points by shooting 10 of 19 from the field, 4 of 8 from 3-point range and all seven of his free throw attempts. One of his best plays was a buzzer-beater from the midcourt logo to give the Bucks a 109-94 lead after three quarters.
Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton, who missed 16 games with a sprained left ankle, added 22 points in the win.
On the Suns’ side, Bradley Beal was the best by scoring 28 points, while Grayson Allen contributed 25 and Devin Booker recorded 23 points. (AFP/Z-3)
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