MILWAUKEE, WI (WSAU) — The Milwaukee Bucks continue their win streak, beating the Dallas Mavericks 116-106.
Despite trailing at halftime, the Bucks led most of the way in Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee game against the Mavericks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with 31 points and 15 rebounds. All five of Milwaukee’s starters scored in double digits with Antentokoummpo and Brook Lopez with double-doubles. Tony Snell also scored in double digits off the bench with 11 points.
The Bucks grabbed a 35-16 lead in the first quarter, thanks to three 3-pointers from Lopez. Midway through the second quarter, the Mavericks went on an 8-0 run to keep the game close. The Mavs then overtook Milwaukee, going into halftime with a 59-57 lead.
In the third quarter, the Bucks were able to build a double-digit lead after the ejection of Mavericks power forward Dwight Powell. Powell was ejected after being whistled for two technical fouls after a Sterling Brown corner 3-point shot. Both technical shots were made by point guard Malcolm Brogdon giving Milwaukee a 9 point lead that was built out to a 12 point lead before the end of the 3rd.
The Bucks led for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Dallas was able to pull within 5 with just over three minutes left to play on a three-point play from Luka Doncic. But that’s as close as the Mavericks would be able to get. Milwaukee won the game 116 to 106.
This was also the first game in which Antetokounmpo suited up against his younger brother Kostas. Kostas did not play in the game but the two shared a brotherly handshake and chat in warmups.
With the afternoon win, Milwaukee moves to a 34-12 record and have won 12 of their last 14 games. The Bucks also move into 1st place in the Eastern Conference with the Toronto Raptors having 13 losses. The Bucks next game will be on Friday night hosting the 22-24 Charlotte Hornets at Fiserv Forum.
