LOS ANGELES, Feb 7, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Giannis Antetokounmpo underscored his
potential MVP credentials on Wednesday with a scintillating 43-point display
as the Milwaukee Bucks bagged their 40th win of the season with a 148-129
rout of the Washington Wizards.
Antetokounmpo led a dominant offensive display by the Bucks, who now own
the best record in the NBA and lead the Eastern Conference Standings with 40
wins against 13 defeats.
It was the latest in a series of superb performances this season by
Antetokounmpo, who has thrust himself firmly into the conversation for MVP
honours in recent weeks.
“Just tried to be aggressive coming into the game, trying to make plays
for my team-mates,” the 24-year-old Greek forward said.
Milwaukee earned their fifth straight win after pouring on 50 points in
the first quarter against a Wizards side who were rarely in contention.
Milwaukee led 85-65 at half-time and although the Wizards stormed back
with a 42-point third quarter, the result was never seriously in doubt.
Antetokounmpo drained all three of his three-point attempts as he made 17
of 21 attempts.
The Bucks star attributed his stellar display to a relaxed approach. “I
just tried not to think about it and to just shoot the ball,” he said.
“That’s what my team told me to do and that’s what I’m going to keep on
doing.”
Antetokounmpo was one of six Bucks players to make double figures, with
Eric Bledsoe posting 22 points along with 11 assists and six rebounds.
Malcolm Brogdon made 18 points and Khris Middleton finished with 16. Ersan
Ilyasova added 12 from the bench.
Washington also poured on the points, with Bradley Beal adding 30 while
Thomas Bryant finished with 26. Jeff Green had 22 points.
Elsewhere Wednesday, Denver suffered a setback in the race for the lead in
the Western Conference, going down 135-130 to the Brooklyn Nets (29-27).
D’Angelo Russell once again led the scoring for the Nets with 27 points on
a night when seven players cracked double digits for the Nets. The defeat
leaves Denver second in the West with a record of 37-17.