INDIANAPOLIS — Jrue Holiday scored 51 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo had a 38-point triple and the NBA-leading Milwaukee Bucks beat the Indiana Pacers 149-136 on Wednesday night.
Antetokounmpo added 17 rebounds and 12 assists to help the Bucks improve to 55-21. The two-time NBA MVP finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists for a triple-double at halftime. Returned after sitting out Monday night in a win at Detroit because of knee soreness.
Holiday had 18 points in the third quarter as the Bucks scored a season-high 46 points to build a 12-point lead. He was 20 of 30 from the field with three 3-pointers and hit 8 of 10 free throws. His previous best was 40 points in an overtime win over Boston on Feb. 14.
Brook Lopez added 21 points for the Bucks.
Rookie Benedict Mathurin led Indiana — in its first three scoreless games — with 29 points. Aaron Nesmith had 22 and Jordan Naora had 18. Jalen Smith had 17 to start the fourth. Rookie Andrew Nembhardt had 15 points and 15 rebounds.
Tips
Bucks: Forward Khris Middleton (knee) was inactive. He averaged 15.5 points. … Averaged 136.2 points in 3-1 season series win.
Pacers: Five inactives include All-Star point guard and leading scorer Tyrese Halliburton (ankle/elbow), center and second-leading scorer Myles Turner (back), and guard Buddy Hield (illness), the NBA’s 3-point leader.
next
Bucs: Host Boston Thursday night.
Pacers: Friday night at Oklahoma City.
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