Giannis Antetokounmpo scores 29 points in his return from injury, leading the Bucks past the Bulls as the Spurs’ eight-game win streak is halted by Utah.
WASHINGTON: Giannis Antetokounmpo made a triumphant return from an eight-game injury layoff to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 112-103 victory at Chicago.
The Greek star scored 29 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 25 minutes, snapping the Bulls’ own five-game win streak.
Antetokounmpo made 10-of-15 shots from the floor as Milwaukee improved to 13-19. The two-time NBA MVP had been sidelined with a right calf strain, during which the Bucks went 2-6.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers was pleased with his star’s managed minutes. “We didn’t want him to have a heavy load to do with the ball,” Rivers said.
He added that Antetokounmpo’s presence boosted the team’s confidence, especially during opponent runs.
Bobby Portis added 17 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for Milwaukee. Chicago was led by 16 points each from Coby White and Nikola Vucevic.
Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs’ eight-game win streak was ended in a 127-114 home loss to the Utah Jazz.
Victor Wembanyama scored 32 points in his return to the starting lineup for the Spurs, who fell to 23-8.
Utah’s Lauri Markkanen scored 29 points on efficient shooting, while Keyonte George added 28. The Jazz closed the game on an 11-2 run over the final three minutes.
In other action, the New York Knicks extended their win streak to four games with a 128-125 victory at Atlanta.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 36 points and 16 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson added 34 points for the Knicks.
Kevin Durant scored 30 points to lead the Houston Rockets over Cleveland 117-100. Cam Thomas came off the bench to score 30 points in Brooklyn’s 123-107 win at Minnesota.
The Orlando Magic edged Denver 127-126 behind a career-high 38 points from Anthony Black. Nikola Jokic had a triple-double with 34 points, 21 rebounds and 12 assists in a losing effort.
