By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A 13th straight win in Fiserv Forum for the Milwaukee Bucks accompanied by the latest record set by Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Greek Freak became the franchise leader in rebounds, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He was already on top of the all-time lists in points and assists. The previous players to lead an NBA team in all three categories were Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls, LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Kevin Garnett with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Recording a 26-point, 17-rebound double-double plus three assists, Antetokounmpo helped the Bucks defeat the Houston Rockets, 128-119, on NBA Sundays. Damian Lillard had a game-high 39 points. Thanasis Antetokounmpo did not play.
For the visitors, Turkish Alperen Sengun went for 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block in his latest impressive showing in the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season. Serbian Boban Marjanovic stayed on the bench.
Jusuf Nurkic and more
In Footprint Center, the Phoenix Suns edged out the Washington Wizards, 112-108. Bosnian Jusuf Nurkic chipped in six points, 17 rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal. On the losing end, Israeli Deni Avdija produced seven points, six rebounds, and two assists, French Bilal Coulibaly packed six points, one assist, and one rebound, and Italian Danilo Gallinari registered six points, one rebound, and one steal.
Despite Stephen Curry failing to make at least one three-pointer after a streak of 268 games, the Golden State Warriors topped the Portland Trail Blazers, 118-114, in Moda Center. Croatian Dario Saric contributed eight points, one assist, and one rebound, but Spanish Usman Garuba was inactive. For the hosts, Belgian Toumani Camara finished with 11 points, three rebounds, and two steals. French Rayan Rupert was on a G League assignment.
Afternoon action saw the Boston Celtics topping the Orlando Magic to stay undefeated at home and the New Orleans Pelicans spoiling the Tony Parker Hall of Fame Game organized by the San Antonio Spurs.
Standings
Eastern Conference
1. Boston Celtics 20-5
2. Milwaukee Bucks 19-7
3. Philadelphia 76ers 18-7
4. Orlando Magic 16-9
5. Miami Heat 15-11
6. New York Knicks 14-11
7. Indiana Pacers 13-11
8. Cleveland Cavaliers 14-12
9. Brooklyn Nets 13-12
10. Toronto Raptors 10-15
11. Atlanta Hawks 10-15
12. Chicago Bulls 10-17
13. Charlotte Hornets 7-17
14. Washington Wizards 4-21
15. Detroit Pistons 2-24
Western Conference
1. Minnesota Timberwolves 19-5
2. Oklahoma City Thunder 16-8
3. Dallas Mavericks 16-9
4. Denver Nuggets 17-10
5. Sacramento Kings 15-9
6. Los Angeles Clippers 15-10
7. New Orleans Pelicans 16-11
8. Los Angeles Lakers 15-11
9. Houston Rockets 13-10
10. Phoenix Suns 14-12
11. Golden State Warriors 12-14
12. Utah Jazz 9-17
13. Memphis Grizzlies 6-18
14. Portland Trail Blazers 6-19
15. San Antonio Spurs 4-21
-Teams ranking first through sixth advance directly to the Playoffs
-Teams ranking seventh through tenth compete in the Play-Ins