KHRIS Middleton scored a season-high 44 points as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns 132-122 on Sunday afternoon (Monday in Manila) to extend their winning streak to four games.
The three-time All-Star also added eight rebounds and five assists on 16-for-27 shooting to even the two-game season series with the Suns. It was Phoenix’s first loss on the road since Feb. 3. Following their late-game rally against Chicago, the Bucks once again peaked late, outscoring the Suns 14-4 over the final 3:32.
Jrue Holiday contributed 24 points, nine assists and four steals. Giannis Antetokounmpo also chipped in 19 points and 13 rebounds to record his seventh consecutive double-double, although he was held to just two points in the second half before fouling out late in the fourth.
Deandre Ayton paced the Suns with a season-high 30 points and eight rebounds on 14-of-19 shooting. Cameron Payne once again stepped up in Chris Paul’s absence with 23 points and eight assists. Jae Crowder supplied 19 points, and Landry Shamet had 17.
In other games, it was the Knicks 116, Clippers 93; Celtics 126, Nets 120; Jazz 116, Thunder 103; Wizards 133, Pacers 123; Rockets 123, Grizzlies 112; Nuggets 138, Pelicans 130 (OT); and Cavs 104, Raptors 96.
Knicks 116, Clippers 93
New York pulled out of a seven-game tailspin while snapping host Los Angeles’ five-game winning streak in a rout.
The Knicks stifled Los Angeles defensively, holding the Clippers to just 33-of-88 (37.5 percent) shooting from the floor and 11-of-34 from 3-point range. Amir Coffey’s 16 points off the bench led Los Angeles.
Six Knicks players scored in double figures, led by RJ Barrett’s 24 points. He has scored at least 20 points in five straight games. He also grabbed nine rebounds and dished four assists. New York never trailed and built a lead of as many as 32 points.
