Blazers squash Bucks’ streak

CJ McCOLLUM scored 40 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat Milwaukee 118-103 yesterday, handing the Bucks their second loss in 10 games this season.

McCollum, who entered shooting well below his career averages, went 17 for 26 from the field and added six assists. Evan Turner had 16 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Blazers (8-3).

Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 23 points and nine rebounds. Brook Lopez shot 6 for 10 from 3point range and finished with 22 points. In the third quarter, McCollum put on a show. He scored 19 points and made Bucks rookie guard Donte DiVincenzo fall down on a crossover move before hitting a basket, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Over in Charlotte, the Hornets put away the Atlanta Hawks 113-102.

Hornets star Kemba Walker had 29 points and seven assists, extending his strong start to the season.

Marvin Williams added 20 points for the Hornets (6-5), who won for the third time on a four-game homestand. Walker has scored 25 or more seven times in 11 games.

Jeremy Lamb and Malik Monk each had 13 points for Charlotte. Nic Batum scored 10.

Playing against his former team, Jeremy Lin had 19 points off the bench to lead the Hawks (3-7), who led by seven late in the first half.

Elsewhere, rookie Luka Doncic scored 23 points and Dennis Smith Jr. made three key plays down the stretch as Dallas ended a six-game losing streak, disposing of the Washington Wizards 119-100.

It was the Mavericks’ 16th win in their last 17 meetings with the Wizards.