Antetokounmpo has 37 in Memphis, Bucks run win streak to 17

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 17 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter to help the Milwaukee Bucks pull away for their 17th straight victory, 127-114 over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, Dec. 13.

The Bucks overcome Jaren Jackson Jr.’s career-high 43 points. He scored 26 in the third quarter to give Memphis a 95-90 lead heading into the fourth.

But Milwaukee outscored Memphis 37-19 in the final period to improve its record to 23-3, keeping pace with the Los Angeles Lakers for the best in the league.

The 17-game winning streak is second-longest in franchise history, trailing only a 20-game run in the 1970-71 season.

Antetokounmpo converted 12 of 23 shots and had 11 rebounds for Milwaukee, which has not lost since Nov. 8 against Utah. Khris Middleton added 26 points for the Bucks, while Eric Bledsoe finished with 12 before leaving in the third quarter with an injury.

Dillon Brooks had 19 points for Memphis, while Jae Crowder had 15 points.

Memphis played without star rookie Ja Morant, who took the night off for injury maintenance on a bad back.

Jackson made seven of his first nine attempts behind the arc in the third quarter to help Memphis build the lead to nine.

Tip-ins

Bucks: Bledsoe left with a right shin contusion. … Antetokounmpo has reached double figures in all 25 games he’s played and has 23 double-doubles. ... D.J. Wilson had 11 points, shooting 5 for 7.

Grizzlies: Rookie Brandon Clarke also was out because of a left oblique injury. Clarke ranks fifth in the league – and first among rookies — in field goal percentage at 63.8% …Brooks converted a four-point play in the second quarter. … Jackson has made at least two 3-pointers in seven straight games.

Up next

Bucks: Face the Cleveland Cavaliers at home on Saturday night in second game of a back-to-back.

Grizzlies: Play the Wizards on Saturday night in the second game of a home back-to-back.