Giannis Antetokounmpo posted 28 points and 11 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks (48-32) rolled past the New Orleans Pelicans (36-44) 136-111 on Thursday night, extending their winning streak to six games.
Kevin Porter Jr. added 20 points and seven assists for Milwaukee. Kyle Kuzma and Gary Trent Jr. each scored 17, Bobby Portis chipped in 14, and Ryan Rollins had 12.
Milwaukee pulled away in the third quarter, using a 9-1 run to stretch a 9-point lead to double digits. Trent Jr. hit a 3-pointer and a layup during the spurt, allowing the Bucks to rest their starters late.
The Bucks now turn their attention to a two-game, season-ending set against Detroit. After Indiana clinched the No. 4 seed, Milwaukee must win one of those two games to lock in the No. 5 spot in the East.
Lester Quinones led the Pelicans with 21 points. Jamal Cain and Keion Brooks Jr. each scored 20. Antonio Reeves added 16, while Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Karlo Matkovic both had 15 points and 10 rebounds.
New Orleans, missing 11 players due to injury and down to just eight available, stayed within single digits until late in the third quarter. The loss was the Pelicans' fifth straight.
Antetokounmpo’s streak of three straight triple-doubles came to an end.
Next up, the Pelicans host the Heat on Friday. The Bucks visit Detroit to begin a back-to-back with the Pistons.
