Lillard scores 16 fourth quarter Bucks defeat short-handed Clippers

Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo lead Bucks to victory over Clippers, while Lakers defeat Timberwolves with standout performances.

The Milwaukee Bucks secured their first victory on their California road trip by defeating the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers 124-117. Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way, with Lillard scoring 16 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter and hitting three crucial 3-pointers, while Antetokounmpo recorded 34 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. The superstar duo's performance marked only the second time since 1980 that teammates achieved at least 30 points and 10 assists each in a single game.

In another game, the Houston Rockets triumphed over the Sacramento Kings with Fred VanVleet scoring 22 points and Jalen Green adding 19. However, the victory was overshadowed by a potential injury to Alperen Sengun, who hurt his right knee while challenging a shot in the fourth quarter.

Elsewhere, the New Orleans Pelicans completed a perfect three-game road trip by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 116-103, with Trey Murphy III scoring 28 points off the bench and Zion Williamson contributing 27 points. The Indiana Pacers secured a win against the Orlando Magic, led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, who each scored 20 points. The Washington Wizards held on to a narrow 110-108 victory over the Miami Heat, with Kyle Kuzma scoring 32 points. The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Memphis Grizzlies 124-93, fueled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 23 points. The Brooklyn Nets pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat the injury-plagued Cleveland Cavaliers 120-101, with Cam Thomas scoring 29 points and Mikal Bridges adding 25. The Philadelphia 76ers limited the New York Knicks to the lowest point total of the NBA season in a 79-73 victory, led by Kelly Oubre Jr.'s 18 points and 10 rebounds. Finally, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 120-109 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, with LeBron James scoring 29 points and Anthony Davis contributing 27 points, 25 rebounds, seven steals, and three blocks.