In only 29 minutes, Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a triple-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists for the Milwaukee Bucks as they dominated the Toronto Raptors 128-104 on Monday night.
The reduced playing time was due to a cut he sustained during the game, but he still managed to contribute to the team’s victory. Damian Lillard also had a strong performance for the Bucks with 25 points, 15 of which came in the third quarter. This helped the team bounce back from two consecutive home losses and secure their lead of up to 33 points in the fourth quarter. It was Antetokounmpo’s fourth triple-double this season and the 49th of his career. He was treated for a cut finger during the game, but was able to continue playing until the game was under control and he sat out in the fourth quarter. Toronto’s RJ Barrett had a solid game with 25 points, nine rebounds, and five assists after missing three previous games due to an illness. With his return, the Raptors were able to field their projected starting lineup for the first time this season.
In another game, DeMar DeRozan led the Sacramento Kings to their fifth consecutive win under interim coach Doug Christie, against Miami Heat, scoring nine of his 30 points in the second overtime. Domantas Sabonis also had an impressive performance for the Kings with a triple-double of 21 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists, along with three blocks. Miami Heat, without Jimmy Butler (suspension), were led by Tyler Herro with 26 points.
Cade Cunningham’s 32 points, nine assists, and six rebounds helped the Detroit Pistons secure a season-high fourth consecutive win against the Portland Trail Blazers. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Tobias Harris also contributed with 26 and 17 points respectively, helping the Pistons reach the .500 mark for the first time this season. However, Detroit’s Ausar Thompson was unable to play due to an illness. Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 36 points, while Shaedon Sharpe had 20 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
Phoenix Suns snapped their four-game losing streak with a win over the Philadelphia 76ers, with Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant scoring 25 and 23 points respectively. Rookie Ryan Dunn also had a solid performance with 15 points, helping the Suns overcome a subpar shooting night from Devin Booker. In the absence of Joel Embiid (foot sprain), Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 31 points and 10 assists. Kelly Oubre also had a strong performance with 26 points and 11 rebounds, but Paul George struggled with just 13 points on 5 of 18 shooting.
Cole Anthony scored 14 of his 24 points in the second half as the undermanned Orlando Magic defeated the New York Knicks 103-94. Wendell Carter Jr. also had a solid game off the bench with 19 points, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 15 points. Despite an impressive performance from Josh Hart with 15 points and 14 rebounds, and 24 points each from Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks were unable to secure a win and suffered their third consecutive loss.
The Chicago Bulls overcame a 19-point deficit in the third quarter to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 114-110, with Zach LaVine leading the way with 35 points and 10 rebounds. Nikola Vucevic also had a strong performance with 24 points and 11 rebounds. A last-second desperation shot from Chris Paul was not enough for the Spurs to secure the win.
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 113-99, with Tyrese Haliburton scoring 23 points and Pascal Siakam adding 19 points, helping the team move above .500 for the first time since their season opener. Bennett Mathurin also contributed with 20 points for the Pacers, who shot 50.6% from the field and survived being outrebounded and giving up 33 second-chance points.
The Memphis Grizzlies snapped their two-game losing streak with a 119-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks, despite missing key players like Desmond Bane, Ja Morant, and Santi Aldama. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells both recorded double-doubles with 35 points and 13 rebounds, and 17 points and 11 rebounds respectively. The Mavericks, who were without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, struggled to keep up and suffered their fifth consecutive loss.
Anthony Edwards’ 37 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists helped the Minnesota Timberwolves defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 108-106. Naz Reid also had a strong performance off the bench with 18 points, while Rudy Gobert grabbed 18 rebounds and scored eight points
