© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
What we learned from the Milwaukee Bucks-Houston Rockets game
The Milwaukee Bucks won their fifth game in a row after defeating the visiting Houston Rockets, 128-119. Giannis Antetokounmpo made history in this game as he shattered the franchise record held by the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most rebounds. Aside from that, here are two takeaways from the game.
Lillard keeps hot shooting streak going
Damian Lillard scored 39 points against the Rockets, marking the second game in a row he has scored over 30. After scoring 33 points in only three-quarters of action against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, Lillard returned the next night and tied his season high for points. He was efficient at making baskets, too, going 11-of-19 from the field. He burnished his performance with 11 assists.
"The last two games definitely felt different," Lillard said.
"I think I had some good games before, but it was just, I'm a shot-maker, so the ball was going in. This is as good as it's felt, in rhythm, the timing of how it's happening, I'd say this is the best it's felt."
The Bucks have gone unbeaten whenever Lillard scores at least 30. Milwaukee holds a 9-0 record whenever that happens.
Middleton is slowly finding his form
Houston is an up-and-coming team that might soon contend for elite status in the Western Conference. They showed the Bucks why as they pulled to within three, 106-109, with 5:56 to go. But Middleton drained a triple to push their lead back to seven and added two more free throws a few minutes later to seal the Bucks' victory.
The veteran wingman scored 20 points, 14 of which came in the fourth.
"Khris does this all the time, where he just settles us down where we need a basket, and he goes and gets us a bucket," Bucks coach Adrian Griffin said.
"Sometimes he scores, and sometimes it's an assist, but the fourth quarter is usually when Khris is at his best."
