LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Giann Antetokounmpo is piled up 33 points but was unable to prevent the Milwaukee Bucks from sliding to a 111-98 defeat against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.
Greek star Antetokounmpo also added eight rebounds and six assists but it was not good enough to prevent Atlanta grabbing a win which saw them improve to 23-17.
It was Atlanta’s eighth win in nine games, a run of results which has left them firmly rooted in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Atlanta’s latest victory came after a 20-point performance from veteran small forward Mike Dunleavy.
The 36-year-old, playing only his second game since joining in a trade with Cleveland, hit four of five three-pointers and contributed three rebounds and two assists.
Kent Bazemore led the scoring for Atlanta with 24 points, including four three-pointers. Paul Millsap had 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Milwaukee had forged into an 11-point lead in the first quarter, going 20-9 clear after Malcolm Brogdon’s three-pointer.
Atlanta powered back into the contest however with Millsap scoring a three-pointer to help tie it at 36-36 heading into the second quarter.
Atlanta gained momentum to lead 60-53 at the half, steadily building their advantage to go 79-69 ahead towards the end of the third quarter.
Antetokounmpo scored 13 points to keep the Bucks close at 88-83 entering the fourth quarter.
But Atlanta were able to stretch their advantage at crucial times and with Dwight Howard completing his 26th double-double via 16 points and 14 rebounds, the Hawks held on for the win.
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