The Milwaukee Bucks ended a challenging six-game losing streak with a commanding 123-100 victory over the Utah Jazz, powered by a combined 65 points from Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Lillard posted 34 points, while Antetokounmpo returned from an adductor strain to deliver 31 points and 16 rebounds, giving the Bucks a much-needed win and avoiding what would have been their first seven-game skid since 2014.
Despite Utah’s impressive 3-point shooting early on, the Jazz’s momentum faltered in the second half. Milwaukee seized control with a decisive 17-1 run in the third quarter, transforming a narrow 71-70 lead into a commanding advantage that Utah couldn’t overcome. During that stretch, Lillard and Antetokounmpo carried the offense, scoring the Bucks’ first 15 points in the run that shifted the game’s pace.
Utah, ranked near the bottom of the league in 3-point shooting, had a rare hot start from beyond the arc. The Jazz sank 14 of 26 three-pointers in the first half to take a 61-57 lead at the break. However, their shooting cooled considerably in the final quarters, as they went just 3 for 15 from deep in the second half.
Head coach Doc Rivers adjusted Milwaukee’s lineup for the game, promoting rookie Andre Jackson Jr. to a starting role while moving Gary Trent Jr. to the bench. The shift appeared to benefit the Bucks, with Jackson contributing seven points and solid defense that helped the team weather Utah’s first-half scoring barrage.
Jordan Clarkson led Utah’s scoring efforts with 18 points off the bench, but it was not enough to counter the Bucks’ high-powered duo. Lauri Markkanen, typically a key contributor for the Jazz, had a quieter night with only 8 points on 3-of-10 shooting.
Utah’s offense stalled in the third quarter, allowing Milwaukee to pull away and secure a victory that Bucks fans had been awaiting for nearly two weeks.
Lillard’s three-point shooting was on full display as he made 4 of 11 from beyond the arc, helping Milwaukee extend its lead further in the fourth. He also added seven assists, directing the offense with poise as Milwaukee outscored Utah 52-39 in the second half.
Key contributions also came from Bobby Portis, who had 19 points off the bench, and AJ Green, who knocked down four triples to finish with 12 points.
With this win, Milwaukee improves to 3-6 on the season, looking to build momentum after breaking their six-game slide. The Bucks will seek to capitalize on this win as they move forward, aiming to climb the Eastern Conference standings. Utah, now 1-7, continues to face early-season struggles and will look to regroup before their next outing.
