Lonzo Ball, Zion Williamson Help Pelicans Hold off Bucks’ Rally Led by Giannis

Matthew Hinton/Associated Press

The Milwaukee Bucks suffered an upset loss against the New Orleans Pelicans 131-126 at Smoothie King Center on Friday. 

The second leg of Milwaukee’s three-game road trip saw the Bucks (11-7) miss out on their third three-game win streak this season despite a 38-point effort from reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. It just wasn’t enough to overpower Zion Williamson and the Pelicans (7-10).

Lonzo Ball made his return to the Pels’ lineup after exiting early in a win over the Washington Wizards with an ankle injury Wednesday. The point guard, who’s been the subject of trade rumors lately, tested out his movement during warmups before the team made a determination on his status. 

New Orleans has now won three of its last six but remains in last place in the Southwest Division. 

Notable Performers

Zion Williamson, PF, New Orleans Pelicans: 21 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists (career high)

Lonzo Ball, PG, New Orleans Pelicans: 27 points (career high), 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 7 three-pointers

Eric Bledsoe, SG, New Orleans Pelicans: 25 points, 4 assists, 7 three-pointers

Giannis Antetokoumpo, PF, Milwaukee Bucks: 38 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists

Khris Middleton, SF, Milwaukee Bucks: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists

What’s Next

Milwaukee wraps up its road trip against the Charlotte Hornets at 8 p.m ET on Saturday before returning home to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday at 8 p.m. ET. The Pelicans remain at home for another three games as the surging Houston Rockets visit New Orleans on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. 

This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available. 

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