Behind Giannis Antetokounmpo’s first triple-double in the season, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 132-121, on Sunday night, as they quickly bounced from a frustrating loss in Chicago the other night.
Giannis finished with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and ten assists in a stellar all-around performance by the two-time MVP. While the Greek Freak was dominant throughout the night, two other Bucks also stood out, which helped them pick up their seventh straight win at home.
Cam, BP came to play
Cameron Payne and Bobby Portis Jr. were also solid in the win. Payne finished with a season-high 18 points and also added three rebounds and two assists in 20 minutes of playing time.
Portis ended his own slump by tallying 15 points and 11 rebounds. In Milwaukee’s last two games prior to Sunday night’s game, Bobby combined for just ten points and 11 rebounds.
“I think Bobby in the first half and Cam in the second half, those guys were terrific,” coach Adrian Griffin said.
An able back-up point guard
Griffin said he liked how he ran the team offense as a second-stringer point guard.
“Cam is a veteran point guard, and he showed it tonight. I thought he had great command of our offense and getting us in our sets,” Griffin said.
Payne and Portis’ solid contributions were badly needed as the Bucks played without reserves Pat Connaughton (right ankle sprain), Andre Jackson (lower back spasms), and Jae Crowder (left adductor surgery).
Damian Lillard added 25 points in the win, while Malik Beasley had 16. Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez scored double figures with 12 and 11, respectively.
The win hiked Milwaukee’s record to 14-6, joining the Orlando Magic at second spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
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