By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo was ejected in a win over the Detroit Pistons, sparking a reaction against the Indiana Pacers.
The Greek Freak scored a season-high 54 points, but the Milwaukee Bucks suffered a narrow 126-124 defeat in a closely contested road game.
Antetokounmpo fell just one point short of his career high, shooting 19 for 25 from the field and making 16 of 18 free throws. Despite collecting 12 rebounds, he also committed eight turnovers, two of which occurred in crucial moments of the game.
With 63 seconds on the clock, he threw away a pass, and then Benedict Mathurin stole the ball from him with 30 seconds to go, with the Bucks trailing 122-121.
Missing Damian Lillard due to calf soreness, Milwaukee witnessed a stunning performance from Antetokounmpo, who came within three points of breaking Michael Redd’s franchise record.
Dejounte Murray secured a go-ahead three-pointer in the dying moments against the Orlando Magic, while Trae Young’s crucial steal sealed a 120-119 victory for the Atlanta Hawks with just seven seconds remaining.
Among the European stars, Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered another solid performance for the winning side, tallying 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Clint Capela contributed six points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
For the Florida team, Mo Wagner scored 13 points with seven boards, Goga Bitadze added 12 points with five rebounds, and Franz Wagner finished with 12 points, along with seven rebounds and three assists.
NBA results:
Indiana – Milwaukee 126-124 (Theis 2p – Antetokounmpo 54p, 12r)
Atlanta – Orlando 120-119 (Bogdanovic 15p, Capela 6p, 11r – M. Wagner 13p, 7r, F. Wagner 12p, 7r, Bitadze 12p, 5r)
Standings
Eastern Conference
1. Philadelphia 76ers 6-1
2. Boston Celtics 5-2
3. Indiana Pacers 6-3
4. Atlanta Hawks 5-3
5. Milwaukee Bucks 5-3
6. Brooklyn Nets 4-4
7. Miami Heat 4-4
8. New York Knicks 4-4
9. Toronto Raptors 4-4
10. Orlando Magic 4-3
11. Cleveland Cavaliers 3-5
12. Chicago Bulls 3-6
13. Charlotte Hornets 2-5
14. Washington Wizards 2-5
15. Detroit Pistons 2-7
Western Conference
1. Denver Nuggets 8-1
2. Dallas Mavericks 6-2
3. Minnesota Timberwolves 5-2
4. Golden State Warriors 6-3
5. Oklahoma City Thunder 5-3
6. Houston Rockets 4-3
7. Phoenix Suns 4-4
8. New Orleans Pelicans 4-4
9. Sacramento Kings 3-4
10. Los Angeles Clippers 3-4
11. San Antonio Spurs 3-5
12. Los Angeles Lakers 3-5
13. Portland Trail Blazers 3-5
14. Utah Jazz 2-7
15. Memphis Grizzlies 1-7