Giannis-less Bucks stun Suns behind Lillard’s big game

WASHINGTON: Damian Lillard delivered with team-mate Giannis Antetokounmpo out due to a hamstring injury, scoring 31 points and distributing 16 assists in Milwaukee’s 140-129 NBA triumph over Phoenix on Sunday.

Reserve Bobby Portis added 31 points and 10 rebounds for the host Bucks, who improved to 44-24 and tightened their grip on second in the Eastern Conference.

Lillard, the first player in Bucks history with 30 points and 15 assists in the same game, praised Portis and others for stepping up with Greek superstar Antetokounmpo sidelined.

“It was huge,” Lillard said. “One of our biggest strengths is our depth. Bobby Portis is a starter on any other team but for our team he knows what his job is.

“Down a guy like Giannis, you know everybody is going to have to step their game up. We’ve been in this situation a couple of times this year and every time he has come through and delivered.

“I knew I wouldn’t have to come out and overdo it. Feed him. Feed everybody else, pick my spots and be aggressive.”

Lillard had 14 points and 12 assists in the first half as Milwaukee took an 82-60 half-time edge, the Bucks matching an NBA record held by the Suns and Utah by making 18 first-half 3-pointers.

Portis had 25 first-half points on 10-of-13 shooting, going 5-of-5 from beyond the arc as the Bucks went 24-of-41 from 3-point range overall.

“It’s fun ater all the work you put in,” Portis said. “Just having good teammates and coaches that believe in you. We go through this marathon 82-game season together and try to build great camaraderie and chemistry.”

Lillard made 10-of-19 shots from the floor, 7-of-7 free throws and 4-of-8 from 3-point range, including a buzzer-beater from the mid-court logo to give the Bucks a 109-94 lead ater three quarters.

“They probably thought with Giannis out, I was going to just try and force it. I just took advantage of what their defense was doing,” said Lillard. “When we play that way, we play our best -- and I think I play my best.”

Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton, who missed 16 games with a sprained let ankle, added 22 points in his return.

Bradley Beal led the Suns with 28 points while Grayson Allen added 25 and Devin Booker neted 23.