By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Already on a double-double in every single game of the 2019-20 NBA Regular Season, Giannis Antetokounmpo went for a full circle with his second triple-double of the year. The first was on opening night, the second on Thursday evening behind 24 points, 19 rebounds and a career-high 15 assists in the 137-129 win for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Fiserv Forum.
His 16th NBA triple-double was combined with his side’s sixth straight victory this season and 14th overall in those 16 affairs. The Greek Freak was 9/27 from the field, also tallied three steals and one block in 36 minutes. Ersan Ilyasova had six points and six boards, Thanasis Antetokounmpo did not play and Dragan Bender was inactive. Mario Hezonja put one rebound to his name for the losing side, Jaylen Hoard did not play and Jusuf Nurkic remained sidelined.
The other game of the night saw the New Orleans Pelicans prevail, 124-121, over the Phoenix Suns at the Talking Stick Resort Arena. Nicolo Melli put his European touch on the “W” with nine points, five rebounds, three assists and one interception. Elie Okobo finished with 11 points, seven boards and one steal for the hosts, Dario Saric had five points, five rebounds, one dime and one steal, while Ricky Rubio sat out injured.
Standings:
Eastern Conference
1. Milwaukee Bucks 12-3
2. Boston Celtics 11-3
3. Miami Heat 10-3
4. Toronto Raptors 10-4
5. Philadelphia 76ers 9-5
6. Indiana Pacers 8-6
7. Brooklyn Nets 6-8
8. Orlando Magic 6-8
9. Charlotte Hornets 6-9
10. Chicago Bulls 5-10
11. Washington Wizards 4-8
12. Atlanta Hawks 4-10
13. Cleveland Cavaliers 4-10
14. Detroit Pistons 4-10
15. New York Knicks 4-11
Western Conference
1. Los Angeles Lakers 12-2
2. Denver Nuggets 10-3
3. Houston Rockets 11-4
4. Los Angeles Clippers 10-5
5. Dallas Mavericks 9-5
6. Utah Jazz 9-5
7. Minnesota Timberwolves 8-7
8. Phoenix Suns 7-7
9. Sacramento Kings 6-7
10. New Orleans Pelicans 6-9
11. Oklahoma City Thunder 5-9
12. Memphis Grizzlies 5-9
13. San Antonio Spurs 5-10
14. Portland Trail Blazers 5-11
15. Golden State Warriors 3-13