Bucks win 10th straight game

LOS ANGELES — Giannis Antetokounmpo drained four clutch baskets down the stretch as the Milwaukee Bucks won their 10th consecutive game with a 119-110 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. Milwaukee led by as many as 22 points in the first half but Cleveland chipped away until they closed the gap to just three late in the fourth but that was as close as they would get. 

“We did a great job taking the lead in the first half, and we created the gap that saved us,” Antetokounmpo said. “If we didn’t have that gap, we’d probably be ticked off and mad right now.” Every time the Cavs got within striking distance of levelling the score, Antetokounmpo answered with a basket of his own to help seal the win.

“There’s a reason he’s the reigning MVP and he made some MVP plays tonight,” Cleveland forward Larry Nance said. “There were a couple of times that I did a good job staying between him and the basket, but I’m 6-8 and he’s probably about 7-1 with his wing span.” Antetokounmpo finished with 33 points and also delivered a double-double with a team-high 12 rebounds for the Bucks, who beat the Cavaliers for the second time this season.

Rookie Darius Garland scored 21 points to pace the Cavaliers, who lost their third straight.  Tristan  Thompson collected a game-high 13 rebounds to complete a double-double.