Clippers can’t overcome absence of Norman Powell in loss to Bucks
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MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 23 points in his return after missing six games because of a strained calf, and the Milwaukee Bucks rallied for a 116-110 victory over the Clippers on Thursday night.
Antetokounmpo was on a minutes restriction and played less than 24 minutes, leaving for good with 6:27 remaining as the Bucks trailed 101-96. Milwaukee then completed its comeback from a 13-point, fourth-quarter deficit with Antetokounmpo on the bench, as Damian Lillard scored 12 of his 15 points in the last 6:48.
The game was tied at 104-all when Brook Lopez blocked a shot from Kris Dunn with less than 3½ minutes left. Lopez then converted a three-point play on Milwaukee’s ensuing possession to put the Bucks ahead for good with 3:02 left. Lopez led the Bucks with 22 points.
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Kawhi Leonard had 25 points, James Harden added 24, Ivica Zubac had 20 points and 15 rebounds, and Dunn had a career-high six steals for the Clippers, who played without top scorer Norman Powell because of knee soreness.
Milwaukee was missing backup forward Bobby Portis Jr., who began serving a 25-game suspension after testing positive for the painkiller Tramadol, a violation of the league’s anti-drug program. Portis said he took the Tramadol by mistake.
This was the first time Antetokounmpo played with Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jericho Sims, who were acquired at the trade deadline. With Portis beginning his suspension, Sims made his Bucks debut and went scoreless in 17 minutes. Porter, traded by the Clippers at the deadline, had 13 points in 15 minutes.
Harden increased his career points total to 27,005. He became the 13th player in NBA history to reach 27,000 points.
Up next: The Bucks visit former teammate Khris Middleton when they play at Washington on Friday. The Clippers visit Indiana on Sunday.
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