Giannis Antetokounmpo put on a one-man show, scoring 41 points and grabbing 17 rebounds as the Bucks cooled off the Rockets 123-114 on Friday.
Antetokounmpo also had 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocked shots as the Bucks snapped the Rockets’ winning streak at seven games.
“I was just looking to be aggressive,” Antetokounmpo said. “Last game I wasn’t as aggressive as I wanted.”
He got plenty of support from his teammates, especially Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis, who each scored 21 points and added eight rebounds.
Milwaukee extended their lead to 7 points, 119-112, with 47 seconds left in the fourth when Antetokounmpo slammed a dunk home.
Team And Coach Can Count On Antetokounmpo
Mike Budenholzer said they know they can count on Antetokounmpo and Middleton down the stretch.
“When you have a good team and have players like that, you’re fortunate to put the ball in their hands and let them make plays,” he said.
Houston hadn’t lost since ending a 15-game losing streak by beating the Chicago Bulls on November 24. The Rockets led by 10 at one stage Friday and hung around until the Bucks were able to pull away in the fourth.
Garrison Mathews finished with a team-high 23 points, including a half dozen threes, as the Rockets made Milwaukee work for the victory.
Christian Wood and Armoni Brooks chipped in 21 points apiece, with Wood also grabbing 13 rebounds. Rookie Alperen Sengun scored a career-high 15 points.
