Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a strong performance with 28 points as the Milwaukee Bucks cruised past an injury-riddled Los Angeles Lakers squad, securing a dominant 118-89 victory on Thursday night.
Despite missing Damian Lillard due to a calf injury, the Bucks took control early, finishing the first quarter with a commanding 20-5 run that set the tone for the rest of the game. Gary Trent Jr. stepped up with 23 points off the bench, while Kyle Kuzma added 20, helping Milwaukee complete a season sweep over the Lakers with back-to-back wins just eight days apart.
On the Lakers’ side, rookie Bronny James had a career-best night with 17 points, reaching double figures for the first time in his 22 NBA appearances. However, his efforts weren’t enough to keep Los Angeles’ impressive nine-game home winning streak alive. The Lakers were severely short-handed, missing key players including LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves due to injuries. In addition, reserves Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt were sidelined, leaving the team without five of its top six scorers.
Milwaukee, looking to solidify home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, capitalized on the Lakers’ depleted lineup. While the Bucks struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 5-for-25 (20%) as a team, Trent carried the load, hitting 6 of 10 three-pointers to keep the offense flowing.
A crucial moment came late in the second quarter when the Lakers failed to convert on an extended possession, allowing Trent to drain a three-pointer on the other end, pushing the Bucks’ lead to 11 at halftime.
The Lakers leaned on Dalton Knecht and Gabe Vincent to fill the scoring void, but both struggled, shooting a combined 8-for-26 (30.8%) from the field. With limited offensive firepower, Los Angeles couldn’t keep pace with Milwaukee’s efficient attack.
UP Next
The Bucks will travel to Sacramento on Saturday, while the Lakers return home to host the Chicago Bulls, hoping to bounce back from this tough loss.
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