Antetokounmpo’s 36 points lift Bucks to home win over 76ers
The Greek forward also announced his All-Star team selections on Thursday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo claimed 36 points as his Milwaukee Bucks cemented their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 112-101 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 25-year-old forward also had 20 rebounds and six assists in his team’s 12th win in 13 games, while the visitors slumped to their fourth-straight loss after a road trip taking in the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.
A slow-starting Khris Middleton netted 20 points to add to a Bucks total boosted by Eric Bledsoe’s 14 points, with Joel Embiid the top scorer for the 76ers with 19 points.
Antetokounmpo also named his NBA All-Star Game team for the February 16 clash against Team LeBron James.
Elsewhere, the New York Knicks beat the Orlando Magic 105-103 at Madison Square Garden, the Chicago Bulls hosted the New Orleans Pelicans who were 125-119 victors, while the Portland Trail Blazers won 125-117 against the San Antonio Spurs.
A 40-point effort from Anthony Davis was not enough to save the Los Angeles Lakers from a 121-111 loss against the Houston Rockets at the Staples Centre.
For the visitors, Russell Westbrook top-scored with 41 points despite a left thumb injury sustained in Sunday’s win over the Pelicans.
The Rockets’ win takes them to fourth in the west, while the Lakers stay top.
