Damian Lillard delivered a masterclass on Sunday, scoring 43 points with eight three-pointers, along with eight rebounds and eight assists, to propel the Milwaukee Bucks to a 135-127 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. The win was even more impressive as the Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed his fourth straight game with a calf strain and will remain sidelined through the All-Star break.
“When he’s not out there, I’ve got to assert myself and play a game that’s very familiar to me,” Lillard said, emphasizing his leadership in Giannis’ absence.
Gary Trent Jr. added 23 points off the bench, hitting seven three-pointers as the Bucks snapped a rough patch, having lost six of their last eight games.
For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey led the charge with 39 points, while Joel Embiid contributed 27 points and 12 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Philadelphia’s third straight loss.
Around the NBA:
- Rockets 94, Raptors 87: Dillon Brooks scored 19 points to help Houston snap a six-game skid. Jalen Green, celebrating his 23rd birthday, added 18 points, while Toronto’s Immanuel Quickley was held to just two points in the fourth quarter.
- Pistons 112, Hornets 102: Cade Cunningham recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, as Detroit held off a late Hornets rally. Tobias Harris chipped in with 20 points, and newly acquired Dennis Schroder debuted with three assists in limited minutes.
With the All-Star break looming, teams are making key adjustments, and Lillard’s heroics prove the Bucks are more than capable, even without their MVP.
