Lillard Lights Up the Scoreboard with 37 Points as Bucks Overcome Antetokounmpo’s Absence, Securing a 128-112 Victory Against Raptors πŸ€πŸ”₯

Athens, GA (AP) β€” In the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo on Wednesday night, the Milwaukee Bucks upset the Toronto Raptors 128–112 behind a career-high 30 points from Malik Beasley and a career-high 13 assists from Damian Lillard.

May be an image of 3 people, people playing basketball, crowd and text that says "BUCKS 11 BUCKS LILLARD 0 128 RAPTORS 112 D0OV FINAL SCORE betway"

On Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Toronto, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Damian Lillard (#0) of the Milwaukee Bucks drives between Scottie Barnes (left) and Jakob Poeltl. (Frank Gunn via AP; The Canadian Press)

Antetokounmpo was forced to miss his first game of the season because of a strained right calf after playing in the first 10. He played 35 minutes and finished with 35 points and 11 rebounds in the victory over Chicago on Monday. The 7-foot player averages 29.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.

Bobby Portis scored eighteen points for Milwaukee, while Cameron Payne scored thirteen.

Lillard shot 9 for 18 on free throws, but hit 15 of 16.

With 37 points from Lillard, the Bucks defeat the Raptors 128–112 despite Antetokounmpo’s absence | AP News

The Bucks’ 20 for 39 effort from beyond the arc tied a season-high for made threes. Compared to Beasley’s 8 of 11 long-range attempts, Lillard made 4 of 10.

Lillard returned from a two-game absence due to a strained right calf, and Milwaukee prevailed for the second time in their last matchup. Milwaukee got back at Toronto.

Let’s discuss Brew Hoop, Damian Lillard’s jump shot.

A graphic featuring a photo of Damian Lillard shooting. Text on the graphic reads, "Player of the Game. Damian Lillard. 37 PTS, 13 AST, 4 REB, 2 STL."

The Bucks player MarJon Beauchamp left the game with a right ankle injury, having scored four points in ten minutes.

Scottie Barnes scored 29 points for the Raptors. With 13 points and 11 rebounds, Jakob Poeltl concluded.

Toronto dropped its second consecutive game when trailing by 20 points or more. Toronto overcame a 71-48 hole to defeat Washington 111-107 on Monday, but they were unable to overcome the Bucks.

Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard (0) drives between Toronto Raptors' Scottie Barnes, left, and Jakob Poeltl during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Beasley’s long-range jumper with 5:05 left in the third quarter gave Milwaukee a 93–60 advantage, Toronto’s biggest deficit of the season.

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Lillard scores 37, Bucks overcome Antetokounmpo's absence to beat Raptors 128-112 | AP News

Raptors forward O.G. Anunoby missed his second straight game due to a cut finger on his right hand, while guard Gary Trent Jr. missed his third straight game because of plantar fasciitis in his right foot.

Let's talk about Damian Lillard's jump shot - Brew Hoop

In lieu of Anunoby, rookie Gradey Dick made his Toronto debut. Dick, who turns 20 on November 20, became the third young player in Raptors history to start a game. Tracy McGrady and Chris Bosh were the others.

The Bucks never looked back after exploding for a 17-0 lead in response to Toronto’s early 8-2 advantage. Milwaukee led 36-21 after three quarters and 70-47 at the break.