DALLAS — The Milwaukee Bucks emerged victorious over the Dallas Mavericks with a 132-117 win this past Saturday night, thanks to stellar performances by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Antetokounmpo delivered an impressive near triple-double with 29 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, while Lillard contributed 28 points to secure the Bucks’ triumph. Gary Trent Jr. also played a key role, adding 20 points to help Milwaukee clinch their sixth victory in seven games, which propelled them into fourth place within the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving managed to score 31 points for the Mavericks despite the team’s struggles. Dallas, currently dealing with player shortfalls, is striving to maintain its standing in the Western Conference playoff picture as it anticipates the return of Anthony Davis. Davis is expected to return by mid-March, following a groin injury he sustained during his debut game with the Mavericks after a major trade sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Though Irving succeeded in all 11 of his free throw attempts, his performance from beyond the arc faltered, going just 2 for 9 as Dallas posted a 28% shooting rate from three-point range. The Bucks displayed their scoring strength, as evidenced by improving to a record of 21-1 when achieving at least 120 points, a feat they accomplished three times within the last four games.
Moses Brown stood out for the Mavericks with 18 points and nine rebounds, marking the end of his 10-day contract period. Despite his valuable contribution, Dallas faces difficulties in renewing his contract due to salary cap limitations, amid injuries sidelining key players like Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford, underscoring the team’s urgent need for size and strength in the lineup.
The pivotal moment in the game came when Antetokounmpo and Lillard managed to accumulate the Bucks’ final 13 points leading to halftime, overturning their one-point deficit into a significant eight-point lead. Enhancing the lead further, Lillard initiated the second half with a scoring streak that extended to a commanding 10-2 run, establishing a solid 81-65 advantage for Milwaukee.
In a noteworthy statistic, Antetokounmpo showed marked improvement in his free throw accuracy, achieving 11 of 13 from the line, surpassing his general 58% shooting rate. Looking forward, the Bucks are set to face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, while the Mavericks will host the Sacramento Kings on Monday. Both teams are scheduled for a rematch in Milwaukee on Wednesday.
