Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo gets fouled as New Orleans Pelicans’ Jackson Hayes shoots during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
A.P
MILWAUKEE
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 50 points and 13 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks beat New Orleans 135-110 on Sunday, handing the Pelicans their eighth straight loss.
Anteotkounmpo’s 50 points were five of his career high in a 123-113 win over the Washington Wizards on Jan. 4. He shot 20 of 26 from the floor, 3 for 4 from 3-point range and 7 of 12 free throws.
The Bucks never trailed and won their fourth straight to open a four-game home stand. They have reached 130 points for the fifth time in the last seven games.
Jrue Holiday scored 17 and Brook Lopez added 15 for the Bucs, who shot 55.2%.
Antetokounmpo scored 29 points and 10 rebounds in the first half alone to help the Bucks build a big lead early on. This is Antetokounmpo’s 10th game of at least 40 points this season, matching his streak of 40 points last season.
New Orleans lost three of its top scorers: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram (left toe injury) and CJ McCollum (sprained right big toe). Jose Alvarado led the Pelicans with 18 points, while Trey Murphy III and Jonas Valanchinas each had 16 points.
Antetokounmpo’s breathless start put the Pelicans in an early hole. The two-time MVP had 16 points midway through the first quarter. He went 9 of 8 for 18 points in the opening period, nearly matching New Orleans’ point total as the Bucs built a 37-19 advantage.
Important advice
Pelicans: Kira Lewis Jr. He played for the first time since January 18 and scored 15 points. … Larry Nance Jr. had a season-high 12 rebounds … The Pelicans were outrebounded 57-38. They had a minus-11 rebound margin against the Wizards on Saturday.
Bucks: Antetokounmpo played his 695th regular season game to tie Sidney Moncrief for second on the Bucks’ all-time list. The franchise record is held by Junior Bridgeman, who played 711 regular season games in two stints with the Bucks from 1975-84 and 1986-87. … Middleton came off the bench for the fourth straight game as the Bucs continued to keep up with the three-time All-Star’s workload as he returned from a sore right knee. Middleton has played in just 11 games this year, first recovering from offseason wrist surgery and later dealing with a knee problem.
Next
Pelicans: At Denver Tuesday in the second game of a three-game road swing. The Pelicans split two home games against the Nuggets this season.
Bucks: Host Charlotte on Tuesday. The Bucs won in Charlotte, then lost at home a month later.
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