Eastern Conference Recaps, Jan. 31: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 34 Points Leads Milwaukee Bucks Past Hornets
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 34 points led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 124-115 victory against the Charlotte Hornets but it was Khris Middleton who had the impressive performance. Playing in his fifth game off the bench this season, he scored 18 points. He also played 20 minutes, the most since returning from a 18-game absence due to a sore knee.
“I started my career coming off the bench, so it doesn't really bother me at all,” Middleton said. “I've been on the bench before, not playing games, sometimes coming in first quarter, second quarter or sometimes not until the second half. I just know I have to stay ready and have to be loose.”
LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, his eighth career triple-double. Terry Rozier had 20 points and Gordon Hayward had 16.
NEXT BUCKS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Feb. 4 in Milwaukee
NEXT HORNETS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Feb. 25 in Charlotte
OTHER NOTES:
-LeBron James’ first triple-double this season led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 129-123 overtime victory against the New York Knicks. He recorded 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, passing Mark Jackson and Steve Nash for fourth all-time. Anthony Davis scored 27 points and Rui Hachimura had 19.
Jalen Brunson scored 37 points and Julius Randle had 23 points and 12 rebounds.
NEXT KNICKS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Feb. 2 in New York
-The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Chicago Bulls 108-103 behind Kawhi Leonard’s 33 points. He also had a season-high five steals, the most since Mar. 24, 2021. Norman Powell led all reserves with 27 points. Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 23 points and DeMar DeRozan had 20 points.
NEXT BULLS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Mar. 18 in Chicago
Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog: https://substack.com/profile/114079068-cory-nelson?utm_source=account-card
