Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points and took seven returns while led the visiting Milwaukee Bucks to a victory 118-89 over the short Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.
Gary Trent Jr. Added 23 points and six 3 points from the bench when Milwaukee snapped a two-game skid. Kyle Kuzma added 20 with a team high five assists, but Bucks star Damian Lillard could not go due to a calf injury.
Los Angeles had its three-match victory in one night when Lebron James (groin), Luka Doncic (Ankel) and Austin Reaves (Ankel).
Lakers were led by beginner Dalton Knecht and Bronny James with 17 points each – a career high for Lebron James’s son. Bronny James shot 7-for-10 from the field and band for the team with five assists.
Milwaukee stormed forward early, never beat and grew a lead as high as 23 during the first half. Bucks went on a 16-0 driving during the first quarter to go up 30-14 on a Kuzma arrangement.
Los Angeles lowered the deficit to 57-46 which went to half time when Markieff Morris got seven points during the second period.
Trent led all scores with 14 points at half, after meeting four 3-points. Antetokounmpo had 13 at the break, while Bronny James rushed Los Angeles with eight points.
Bucks then dominated the third quarter, especially from the free throw line, where they went 13-before-15. The Lakers were just 4-for-5 at Foul Shots in the third. Antetokounmpo did 15 during the period.
Milwaukee’s momentum would not stay there, as Bucks started the fourth on a 6-0 to grow a lead to 97-69 on a can of Kuzma.
Lakers total were the second finally points that Bucks have allowed this season and only the fifth time they gave fewer than 100.
Bucks beat Lakers for the second time in a week to swipe the season series with two games for the first time since 2021-22.
-Field level media
