By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo banked a career-high five three-pointers en route for his team-high 34 points leading the Milwaukee Bucks to the 111-104 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Fiserv Forum on Thursday night. The reigning MVP tallied 11 rebounds, seven assists, one block and one interception as well.
His brothers Thanasis and Kostas did not play, but were active for their respective side. “This is unique,” noted proud Greek Freak, “You can’t take this for granted. Three brothers under the same roof, going through the same game, going through our pregame warmup. We’re blessed.”
European action extended to Ersan Ilyasova who picked up a pair of points, three boards, a couple of assists and two interceptions in 17 minutes of work from the bench. Dragan Bender (right ankle) remained sidelined.
Elsewhere
Rudy Gobert and Bojan Bogdanovic combined for 39 points with the Utah Jazz prevailing, 111-106, over the Atlanta Hawks, at the State Farm Arena. The French big posted his 11th double-double in a row with 20 points and 13 rebounds to go along his three rejections and one assist. His European teammate had 19 points, nine boards and a pair of dimes. Alex Len put up four points, four rebounds, three helpers and one steal for the losing side.
The Houston Rockets beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 122-117, at the Staples Center behind Russell Westbrook’s 40 points, 10 boards and five assists. On the European front, Clint Capela had 16 points, eight rebounds, four steals, one helper and one block with Thabo Sefolosha remaining on the bench and Isaiah Hartenstein on his G League assignment. On his part, Ivica Zubac was held to three points, four boards and one steal in 15 minutes for the hosts.
At the AT&T Center, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 118-105, overcoming Spencer Dinwiddie’s 41 points. Marco Belinelli contributed to the “W” with 11 points, one board, one dime and one steal, Jakob Poeltl posted four points, five rebounds and three rejections. Fellow European Luka Samanic was on a G League assignment. On the losing side, Dzanan Musa notched two points and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot one rebound, but Rodions Kurucs did not accumulate a stat.
Standings:
Eastern Conference
1. Milwaukee Bucks 25-4
2. Boston Celtics 18-7
3. Miami Heat 20-8
4. Toronto Raptors 19-8
5. Philadelphia 76ers 20-9
6. Indiana Pacers 19-9
7. Brooklyn Nets 15-13
8. Orlando Magic 12-16
9. Charlotte Hornets 13-18
10. Detroit Pistons 11-17
11. Chicago Bulls 11-19
12. Washington Wizards 8-18
13. Cleveland Cavaliers 7-21
14. New York Knicks 7-21
15. Atlanta Hawks 6-23
Western Conference
1. Los Angeles Lakers 24-5
2. Los Angeles Clippers 21-9
3. Denver Nuggets 18-8
4. Houston Rockets 19-9
5. Dallas Mavericks 18-9
6. Utah Jazz 17-11
7. Oklahoma City Thunder 13-14
8. Sacramento Kings 12-15
9. Portland Trail Blazers 12-16
10. San Antonio Spurs 11-16
11. Phoenix Suns 11-16
12. Minnesota Timberwolves 10-16
13. Memphis Grizzlies 10-18
14. New Orleans Pelicans 7-22
15. Golden State Warriors 5-24
Photo Credit: Getty Images