Antetokounmpo leads balanced attack as Bucks trounce Pelicans 141-117

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans' Larry Nance Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

In a 141-117 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks with 30 points and 12 rebounds, one of four players with at least 20 points.

Six rebounds, nine assists, and 26 points were contributed by Damian Lillard. Bobby Portis finished with 20 points, and Brook Lopez scored 24 points on 6-of-9 3-point shooting.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket between New Orleans Pelicans' Jonas Valanciunas, left, and Herbert Jones (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Following Adrian Griffin’s dismissal on Tuesday, the Bucks played their third and final game under interim head coach Joe Prunty, improving to 2-1 while shooting 56%. Earlier on Saturday, Doc Rivers had his first press conference after taking over as Griffin’s permanent replacement.

When the Bucks play the reigning champion Denver Nuggets in the first game of their five-game road trip, Rivers will make his coaching debut with the franchise. A squad that has won seven of its last nine games will be led by Rivers.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans' Dyson Daniels (11) and Larry Nance Jr. during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

For the Pelicans, Brandon Ingram scored 26 points and Zion Williamson scored 23. 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists were provided by Jonas Valanciunas.

After suffering a loss at home the previous evening, both teams were attempting to recover. On Friday, the Pelicans were humiliated 107-83 by the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Bucks lost 112-100 to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard (0) passes the ball between New Orleans Pelicans' Jonas Valanciunas (17) and Zion Williamson (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

When playing with no days’ rest, the Bucks have improved to 6-1, while the Pelicans have had a dismal start to their four-game trip.

Khris Middleton missed Saturday’s game as the Bucks continued to monitor the workload on his surgically repaired right knee because Milwaukee was playing for the second consecutive night. On Friday, Middleton had played 36 minutes.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes up to dunk over New Orleans Pelicans' Dyson Daniels, middle, and Larry Nance Jr. (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Williamson, who missed Friday’s game due to a bоne ιnjury in his left foot, is back for the Pelicans.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans' Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

With 5:07 remaining in the first quarter, Jae Crowder’s 3-pointer broke a 17-all tie, and the Bucks led the rest of the game.

The opening twenty-five minutes of the game were a shootout, with the Bucks making 13 of 25 3-pointers and the Pelicans making 7 of 13. The first half ended with the Bucks leading 75-63 after both teams combined for over 54% of the shots.

In the second half, the Bucks opened up the game and finally had a 34-point lead.

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