NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks dominate fourth quarter to down Raptors
FILE – Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks high fives Jevon Carter #5 during the NBA game at Footprint Center on March 14, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bucks defeated the Suns 116-104. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP
Giannis Antetokounmpo shot a perfect 9-of-9 from the floor and recorded a triple-double of 22 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists and the Milwaukee Bucks dominated the fourth quarter en route to a come-from-behind, 118-111 defeat of the visiting Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
In what was a close contest throughout — neither team built a lead of more than nine points — Milwaukee (51-20) opened the final period extending a run that started with Khris Middleton’s jumper just before the end of the third quarter. The 12-0 burst was part of an overall 17-2 run that extended midway into the fourth quarter.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Bucks pulled ahead by seven points, but Toronto (35-37) twice battled back to within two. Fred VanVleet’s 23 points led four Raptors scoring at least 18. VanVleet also dished a game-high 11 assists.
Giannis recorded a triple-double on PERFECT 100% shooting as the Bucks won at home 💪
22 PTS, 13 REB, 10 AST, 9/9 FG
No misses. Just buckets. pic.twitter.com/JXGBobyJEw
— NBA (@NBA) March 20, 2023
O.G. Anunoby shot 4 of 5 from 3-point range on his way to 22 points and Jakob Poeltl added 20. Pascal Siakam recorded his third consecutive double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, and added seven assists.
Article continues after this advertisementHowever, Milwaukee’s defense proved overwhelming in the closing 12 minutes. The Bucks outscored the Raptors 29-16 in the decisive period, regrouping from a third quarter in which they surrendered 39 points to Toronto.
Brook Lopez, who contributed defensively with a pair of blocked shots, scored a game-high 26 points. Middleton finished with 20 including 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished five assists.
Bobby Portis fell just shy of his 34th double-double of the season, coming off the bench for 14 points and nine rebounds. Jrue Holiday overcame a 3-of-8 shooting performance for 11 points with seven assists.
The win improved Milwaukee to 3-0 on the season against Toronto. The Raptors’ three-game winning streak ended with Sunday’s decision.
