Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 15 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter as the Milwaukee Bucks overcame a 13-point deficit to beat the Dallas Mavericks 116-114 on Monday night at the American Airlines Center. Ryan Rollins’ driving layup with 17.9 seconds left put the Bucks ahead for good.
Kyle Kuzma added a season-high 26 points off the bench. Milwaukee’s late-game execution allowed them to overcome the Mavericks despite Dallas’ strong start and home-court advantage.
Cooper Flagg, Mavericks’ No. 1 draft pick, led Dallas with a season-high 26 points, while Brandon Williams contributed 19 points in his first start of the season. P.J. Washington Jr. had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds but missed the second of two free throws on a desperation 3-point attempt.
Antetokounmpo entered the game averaging 33.8 points per contest and focused his scoring late, taking only four shots in the first half. He finished 11 for 18 from the field, hitting one of two 3-pointers, and also added eight rebounds, six assists, and five blocks.
The Bucks rallied from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit with timely scoring and clutch defense. Milwaukee shot 45.1% overall, including 38.9% from three-point range, compared to Dallas’ 41.6% from the field and 23.1% from deep.
Dallas played without Anthony Davis (strained left calf) and Dereck Lively II (right knee), limiting their rotation and offensive options. Late in the game, the crowd expressed frustration with GM Nico Harrison after missed free throws and defensive lapses.
Milwaukee improves to 7-4 and will face Charlotte on Wednesday in the first of back-to-back games against the Hornets. The Mavericks, now 3-8, return home to host Phoenix on Wednesday, seeking answers after a narrow loss at home.
