Antetokounmpo scores 33 but Bucks fall to Hawks

LOS ANGELES, USA – Giannis Antetokounmpo piled up 33 points but was unable to prevent the Milwaukee Bucks from sliding to a 111-98 defeat against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, January 15 (Monday in Manila).

Greek star Antetokounmpo also added 8 rebounds and 6 assists but it was not good enough to prevent Atlanta grabbing a win which saw them improve to 23-17.

It was Atlanta’s eighth win in 9 games, a run of results which has left them firmly rooted in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Atlanta’s latest victory came after a 20-point performance from veteran small forward Mike Dunleavy.

The 36-year-old, playing only his second game since joining in a trade with Cleveland, hit 4 of 5 three-pointers and contributed 3 rebounds and two assists.

Kent Bazemore led the scoring for Atlanta with 24 points, including 4 three-pointers. Paul Millsap had 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. 

Milwaukee had forged into an 11-point lead in the first quarter, going 20-9 clear after Malcolm Brogdon’s three-pointer.

Atlanta powered back into the contest however with Millsap scoring a three-pointer to help tie it at 36-36 heading into the second quarter.

Atlanta gained momentum to lead 60-53 at the half, steadily building their advantage to go 79-69 ahead towards the end of the third quarter.

Antetokounmpo scored 13 points to keep the Bucks close at 88-83 entering the fourth quarter.

But Atlanta were able to stretch their advantage at crucial times and with Dwight Howard completing his 26th double-double via 16 points and 14 rebounds, the Hawks held on for the win. – Rappler.com