There was no third-time-lucky reprieve for the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night. Playing once more without kingpin Giannis Antetokounmpo, they stumbled to a third-straight defeat.
This time the runaway Eastern Conference leaders went down 109-95 to the Denver Nuggets, a team no one should underestimate. Right now Denver is sitting in third place behind LA’S Lakers and Clippers in the Western Conference standings.
It was bad enough that Antetokounmpo was still sidelined with a left knee sprain. And it didn’t make things any easier that Kriss Middleton, Eric Bledsoe and George Hill were also missing from their line-up.
There was an Antetokounmpo playing for the Bucks, but Giannis’ older brother Thanasis (nine points) was unable to help end Milwaukee’s loosing run.
Paul Millsap (20 points, 10 rebounds) and Jamal Murray (21 points) were the home team’s leading point’s contributors. Kyle Korver came off the bench to top score for the Bucks with 23 points.
The Bucks, now with a 53-12 record, still have a healthy lead in the Eastern Conference. Toronto Raptors with 46-18 are a distant second with the Boston Celtics even further back in third at 42-21.
However, they had better watch out for the Lakers. The Western Conference front-runners have been on the charge in recent weeks and with 49-13 are closing the gap fast. Mind you, with Le Bron James currently listed as questionable. they might also soon run into missing star problems.
Siakam, Ibaka head Raptors triumph
Pascal Siakam (27 points, 11 rebounds) and Serge Ibaka (27 points, 13 rebounds) both picked up double-doubles as defending champions the Toronto Raptors defeated the Utah Jazz 101-92.
Jazz star Bojan Bogdanovic was unable to make any impact against the Raptors. He played 24 minutes, shooting just two-of-eight from the field and one-of-four from the three-point range for only five points.
Rozier sparkles with 40, but Hornets go down
Terry Rozier sparkled with a game-high 40 points for the Charlotte Hornets. However, it didn’t stop them losing 143-183 to the Atlanta Hawks in double overtime.
The Hawks, playing at home in Atlanta, were led by Trae Young’s 31 points and 16 assists.
Monday’s results
Atlanta Hawks 143-138 Charlotte Hornets (Double OT)
Denver Nuggets 109-95 Milwaukee Bucks
Toronto Raptors 101-92 Utah Jazz
Nets at Lakers
The Lakers welcome the Brooklyn Nets (29-34) to Staples Center on Tuesday, possibly without superstar LeBron James. The three-time champion is listed as “questionable” due to a sore groin
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— NBA (@NBA) March 10, 2020