Giannis, Bucks continue to roll
Giannis Antetokounmpo had his second tripledouble this season with 26 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists to help the Bucks rout the Kings 144-109 on Sunday in Milwaukee.
The Bucks improved to 8-1 — the best nine-game start in franchise history. They set a season high for points in a game and set the franchise record for threepointers made with 22.
♦ The Lakers had the largest deficit after the first quarter in franchise history, falling behind the Raptors by 25 points (42-17) in a 121-107 loss.
Struggling Kings fire coach Stevens
The Kings fired coach John Stevens just 13 games into his second season and named Willie Desjardins the interim coach for the rest of the season. The Kings also fired assistant coach Don Nachbaur and hired former Kings forward Marco Sturm to replace him.
Kansas’ Beaty fired after 6 wins in 3-plus years
Kansas fired coach David Beaty, effective at the end of the season, ending a three-plus year tenure marked by modest improvement but just a handful of wins. Beaty has a career record of 6-39 with three wins against Power Five opponents.
♦ Minnesota fired defensive coordinator Robb Smith after the Gophers allowed 55 points to Illinois on Saturday. Minnesota has surrendered 43 points per game in Big Ten play. Defensive line coach Joe Rossi was named the interim defensive coordinator.
Late eagle propels DeChambeau to victory
Bryson DeChambeau holed an eagle putt from just inside 60 feet on the 16th hole that carried him to a 5-under 66 and a one-shot victory over Patrick Cantlay in the Shriners Hospital for Children Open in Las Vegas.
♦ Justin Rose regained the No. 1 spot in the world after defending his Turkish Airlines Open title, overcoming China’s Li Haotong in a playoff.
Harvick earns shot at title with win at Texas
Kevin Harvick earned his shot at winning another NASCAR Cup championship, rocketing past polesitter Ryan Blaney in overtime to win at Texas to get into the final four.
♦ Karen Khachanov upset Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-4 to win the Paris Masters title.
♦ Floyd Mayweather will participate in a fight in the Rizin Fighting Federation on Dec. 31 in Japan.