Bucks Beat Lakers, 108-101, In Bryant's Final Game In Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 27 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Los Angeles Lakers 108-101 on Monday night in retiring star Kobe Bryant's last trip to the Bradley Center.
Bryant had 15 points in 24 minutes, shooting 3 of 12 from the field and 8 of 9 from the foul line. He was feted with a pregame video tribute by Bucks coach Jason Kidd, who faced the 37-year-old Bryant numerous times during his playing days.
Kidd's young players set the pace after outscoring the Lakers 36-17 in the third quarter. The 21-year-old Antetokounmpo led the way, streaking into the lane unabated several times for easy buckets or impressive passes.
All five Bucks starters scored in double figures. The Lakers lost their sixth straight game.
A night after losing in Chicago, the Lakers looked tired in the third quarter compared to the Bucks before rallying in the fourth quarter to make it respectable.
But they couldn't keep up with Antetokounmpo, who had two running dunks in the final minute of the quarter. The second came off a pass off the backboard from Khris Middleton to give Milwaukee a 24-point lead.
Middleton had 18 points and six assists.
Regardless of the result, much of the focus was on Bryant with the Lakers in town for their only visit of the season.
The crowd cheered when Bryant faked Jabari Parker on the wing and stepped around him to hit a high-arching 3.
Fans pulled out their camera phones late in the second quarter when Bryant flexed his right hand after colliding with Milwaukee's Michael Carter-Williams and Miles Plumlee while getting fouled going for a loose ball. Bryant has been playing with a dislocated middle finger.
His night was done with 3 minutes left in the third quarter and the Lakers on their way to their 16th loss in 18 games. Bryant watched from the end of the bench with ice packs on his right shoulder and both knees.
Nick Young led the Lakers with 19 points.
TIP-INS
Lakers: D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle have earned their increased playing time in recent weeks, with both players typically playing at least 30 minutes a game. Asked why he limited their playing time, coach Byron Scott said, "Humility, that's all. ... Just letting them know that nothing's going to be given to you. You've got to earn it. Those guys understand that now."
Bucks: New acquisition Steve Novak, a former star at Marquette, was in uniform for the first time and played the final 1:24, missing his only shot attempt. ... Parker had 15 points and nine rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Lakers visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.
The Bucks visit the Boston Celtics on Thursday.
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