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Giannis Antetokounmpo hits 44 points as Bucks outshine Lakers 131-116

The Los Angeles [Lakers lost](https://sportsbetting-california.com/los-angeles-lakers-lost-121-129-to-atlanta-hawks-despite-malik-monk-scoring-33-points/) their marbles on Tuesday at Crypto.Com Arena while the Milwaukee Bucks put them in the clinic. With their star man Giannis Antetokounmpo collecting 44 points on 17-for-20 shooting, Bobby Portis 23 points with five 3-pointers, and Kris Middleton who scored all of his 21 points in the first half, the Bucks are making it rain to 131-116 victory over the Lakers that evening.

Giannis unstoppable

The Greek power forward, Antetokounmpo was automatic when he poured the courts with the excitement of his firing energy during his 14 rebounds and eight assists while making his first 11 shots. Seemingly, the 27-year-old NBA finals MVP was invincible when he goes for the offense.

”He made it look easy, honestly,” Middleton said. ”That just shows the level of how he’s playing. He was knocking down his jump shot. He’s got guys going for his pump fake. Just the way he let the game come to him and stay patient, it was pretty fun to watch.”

In the first lead, the Bucks gave a 24-point lead which led to 70% shooting success. Obviously, the Bucks are staying to live another day as the champion of a four-game West Coast road trip as this is their third win.

”Obviously, when you make shots, the game is a lot easier, looks a lot better,” Antetokounmpo said. ”I know I’m going to try to get my teammates involved and look for the best way to help the team, but sometimes when you start making shots, you feel better about yourself, you defend better. Today was one of those games.”

Additionally, during the game, Jrue Holiday had 15 points and 10 assists and Grayson Allen added 12 points.

Lakers work on progress

As for the Lakers who were schooled that night, LeBron James and Anthony Davis contributed a lot to the scene. Although they have done their best, maybe it isn’t good enough.

”We played a terrible defensive half,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. ”Disposition, competition, the level of competitive spirit we showed for a big game was very disappointing. In two straight games, we started with a terrible defensive half. We’ve got to get that right.”

With James who scored 27 points and Davis had 22 points and nine rebounds for the Lakers, Malik Monk scored 20 points, Stanley Johnson who played in the reserve role added 16, unfortunately, they still couldn’t catch up. With James and Davis in the injury-riddled lineup and lacking continuity due to lengthy absences during practice, LA has lost five of seven to fall back to three games below .500. James looked tired in his second game back from a five-game absence for the Lakers. The team has not won back-to-back games since January 7.

As for Russell Westbrook who had 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting, 10 assists, and four turnovers in another rough game for the Lakers’ former MVP, he was benched once again with 2:34 left in the third quarter. The point guard didn’t play in the fourth while the Lakers made their comeback. Later, Westbrook admitted that he was disappointed because he feels that he has earned the honor to play the end game.

Light boos and woes were still given to Westbrook from the crowd, but he considered the mocks as “a sign of respect” and did not take it as a big deal. He said, “the end-all, be-all… Whatever comes, cheers, boos, it doesn’t really matter.”


Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo detoˈku bo]; born Adetokunbo December 6, 1994) is a Greek professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association . (wikipedia)


Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles. (wikipedia)