NBA roundup: Giannis helps Bucks bounce back, Suns too hot for the Nets
Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Giannis Antetokounmpo drove the Milwaukee Bucks home with a triple-double as they bounced back with a 112-98 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.
Antetokounmpo finished the game with 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists, including 13 points in the fourth quarter as the Bucks closed it out on a 17-4 run. The Greek forward was scoreless in the first quarter.
The Wizards, missing Bradley Beal to a wrist injury, had rallied from a 17-point deficit to be within contention in the final period, but the reigning champions pulled away.
The reigning NBA champions had lost 136-100 to the Denver Nuggets in their last game and Antetokounmpo was delighted to put that behind them as they improved to 32-21.
Jrue Holiday provided good support with 22 points, five rebounds, and two assists while Khris Middleton caught fire late to add 13 points and five rebounds.
Around the league
The Golden State Warriors put aside the absence of All-Stars Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson as they beat the San Antonio Spurs 124-120. Jordan Poole starred with 31 points, six rebounds, and five assists as Golden State won after a 35-16 fourth quarter rally.
The Chicago Bulls reinforced their hold on the top spot in the east with a 126-115 victory over the Orlando Magic led by DeMar DeRozan with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while Zach LaVine chipped in with 26 points.
Karl-Anthony Towns (24 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists) got the better of Nikola Jokić (21 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists) as the Minnesota Timberwolves won 130-115 over the Denver Nuggets.
James Harden returned from a hand injury but went six-of-19 from the field and four turnovers as the Brooklyn Nets went down 121-111 to the streaking Phoenix Suns, who extended their winning run to 11 games.
Harden had 22 points and 10 assists while Kyrie Irving hit 26 points. Devin Booker scored 35 points while Chris Paul added 20 points with 14 assists.
Cover photo: IMAGO / Agencia EFE