December 25, 2024

Antetokounmpo, Lopez lead Bucks past Raptors, 118-111

Raptors #Raptors

Toronto Raptors' Fred VanVleet (23) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks' Jrue Holiday (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash): Raptors Bucks Basketball © Provided by The Associated Press – Sports Raptors Bucks Basketball

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 22 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, Brook Lopez scored 17 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, and the Milwaukee Bucks rallied for a 118-111 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.

Toronto Raptors' Fred VanVleet (23) drives against Milwaukee Bucks' Grayson Allen during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash): Raptors Bucks Basketball © Provided by The Associated Press – Sports Raptors Bucks Basketball

Khris Middleton added 20 points and Bobby Portis had 14 as the Bucks improved to an NBA-best 51-20. Antetokounmpo had his 33rd career triple-double.

Milwaukee Bucks' Bobby Portis, foreground, reacts after missing a basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash) © Provided by The Associated Press – Sports Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis, foreground, reacts after missing a basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Lopez scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter on a pair of 3-point plays and a dunk to put Milwaukee in front 97-95. Middleton’s free throw capped the 15-2 run that put the Bucks up 104-97.

A dunk by Jakob Poeltl brought Toronto within 110-107, but Lopez scored underneath and Jrue Holiday hit two free throws to make it 114-107 with 1:29 remaining.

Fred VanVleet had 23 points and O.G. Anunoby added 22 for the Raptors, who had won their three previous games. Toronto missed a chance to move into eighth in the East Conference ahead of Atlanta, which lost to San Antonio 126-118.

Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. hit back-to-back 3-pointers to put the Raptors up 83-76 with just under 4 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter. Toronto led 95-89 entering the final period.

Toronto Raptors' Jakob Poeltl (19) shoots between Milwaukee Bucks' Pat Connaughton (24) and Bobby Portis during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash) © Provided by The Associated Press – Sports Toronto Raptors’ Jakob Poeltl (19) shoots between Milwaukee Bucks’ Pat Connaughton (24) and Bobby Portis during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

The Bucks hit seven of their 16 3-pointers in the first period en route to a 33-29 lead.

TIP-INS

Raptors: F Scottie Barnes exited in the second quarter with a left wrist injury and did not return.

Toronto Raptors' Pascal Siakam, right, drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks' Khris Middleton during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash) © Provided by The Associated Press – Sports Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam, right, drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks’ Khris Middleton during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Bucks: F Jae Crowder missed his second straight game with left calf soreness. C Meyers Leonard was a late scratch, also with left calf soreness.

UP NEXT

Raptors: Host Indiana on Wednesday.

Bucks: Host San Antonio on Wednesday.

Toronto Raptors' Pascal Siakam dunks against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash) © Provided by The Associated Press – Sports Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam dunks against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

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Toronto Raptors' Fred VanVleet (23) is fouled as he shoots against Milwaukee Bucks' Joe Ingles during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash) © Provided by The Associated Press – Sports Toronto Raptors’ Fred VanVleet (23) is fouled as he shoots against Milwaukee Bucks’ Joe Ingles during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

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