By Canadian Press

Lillard paces Bucks in 128-104 win over struggling Raptors

Jan 6, 2025 | 7:02 PM

TORONTO — Damian Lillard scored 25 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo added 11 more with 13 assists and 12 rebounds in the Milwaukee Bucks 128-104 win against the Toronto Raptors on Monday.

Lillard’s offensive output in only 26 minutes of playing time was highlighted by five three-pointers as the Bucks halted their mini two-game slide at Scotiabank Arena.

R.J. Barrett returned after a three-game absence because of the flu to pace the Raptors with 25 points.

This was the first time the Raptors (8-28) had all five starters healthy this season and the first time since March 1 that their big three — Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Immanuel Quickley — shared the floor.

Barnes chipped in 21 points while centre Jakob Poeltl added 12. Quickley and Dick were good for 11 apiece.

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The Bucks led 28-19 after the first quarter, 66-47 at the half and 99-75 after the third.

The Raptors went a poor 9 for 35 from beyond the three-point arc.

Bobby Portis scored 18 points as Milwaukee (18-16) won for the fourth time in nine starts since claiming the NBA Cup three weeks ago.

TAKEAWAYS

Raptors: A sloppy Toronto squad committed three over-and-back violations in the first three quarters.

Bucks: The Raptors feted Milwaukee guard Gary Trent Jr. with a video scoreboard tribute at the beginning of the second quarter. He spent three years with the Raptors before signing with the Bucks as a free agent last summer.

KEY MOMENT

After Gradey Dick hit a baseline three-pointer, the Bucks responded with back-to-back three-point jumpers from Lillard and Taurean Prince to open a 77-52 lead with 7:49 remaining in the third quarter.

KEY STAT

Two-time NBA MVP Antetokounmpo played despite a sore knee but didn’t play in the fourth quarter. His limited action meant it was the first time this season he failed to score 20-plus points in a game.

UP NEXT

Bucks: Host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

Raptors: Visit the New York Knicks on Wednesday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 6, 2025.

Tim Wharnsby, The Canadian Press

<!– Photo: 0be857e861b0947647f9b22124391c0d11e155fc826f21e3c31f0ed97de0cc3f.jpg, Caption:

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks for the pass under pressure from Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (5) and teammate Scottie Barnes (4) during first half NBA basketball action in Toronto, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

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