----- Giannis Antetokounmpo finishes with 32 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists as the Milwaukee Bucks top the Portland Trail Blazers 122-101 Saturday night at Moda Center.
Giannis was too much for the short-handed Trail Blazers on Saturday night.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 32 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists as the Milwaukee Bucks dropped the Portland Trail Blazers 122-101 Saturday night at Moda Center.
Khris Middleton scored 30 points and Eric Bledsoe added 29 as the Bucks improved to an NBA-best 35-6.
The Trail Blazers were playing without Hassan Whiteside (upper respiratory infection) and the Bucks took advantage of their opportunities in the paint. The Bucks won the rebounding battle 60-48 and had out-scored the Blazers 46-36 in the paint.
Damian Lillard led Portland (16-24) with 26 points, CJ McCollum finished with 20, and Carmelo Anthony recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds on 7-of-17 shooting. Anthony Tolliver starter at center in place of Whiteside and finished with seven points and 11 rebounds.
“I thought we gave a really good effort tonight,” Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. “Obviously, they’re a really good team, they’re deep, they’re versatile.”
The Bucks led 32-24 at the end of the first quarter, 64-55 at halftime, and extended their lead to 17 going into the fourth quarter. The Blazers battled but didn't have enough firepower to keep.
Notes- Longtime PA announcer for the Blazers, Mark Mason worked his 1,000th game Saturday. His career behind the mic for Portland has spanned more than 23-years.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers will face the Charlotte Hornets Monday night at Moda Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM.
Chad's Take- No Whiteside, no chance.