Bucks clinch playoff berth, sixth seeding

The rebuilding plan is way ahead of schedule for the Milwaukee Bucks.

A year after a franchise-worst 67-loss season, the Bucks are headed to the playoffs.

Ersan Ilyasova scored 21 points and Coach Jason Kidd’s team relied on defense in a 96-73 victory over the visiting Brooklyn Nets on Sunday that wrapped up the playoff spot and the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.

“To be honest, I always believed we could do better. But I didn’t know if we could go from 15 wins to get 40,” said Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished with 13 points.

The athletic 20-year-old forward is one of the big reasons why the Bucks are the first team since the 2008-09 Miami Heat to make the playoffs a year after having the NBA’s worst record. at San Antonio 107, Phoenix 91: Tim Duncan had 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Spurs to their 11th straight victory. at Boston 117, Cleveland 78: Isaiah Thomas scored 17 points and the Celtics moved closer to a playoff berth with a rout of the Cavaliers without LeBron James and three other starters. at Indiana 116, Oklahoma City 104: Russell Westbrook scored a careerhigh 54 points, but the Pacers fended off his late charge for a critical victory over the Thunder. at Washington 108, Atlanta 99: John Wall had no trouble finding his rhythm after resting for two games, producing 24 points and nine assists to lead the Wizards to their highest win total (46) in more than 30 years. at Houston 121, New Orleans 114: James Harden scored 30 points and the Rockets used a big run at the beginning of the fourth quarter to take the lead and hold on for a victory over the Pelicans. at Detroit 116, Charlotte 77: Andre Drummond had 15 points and 19 rebounds, and the Pistons turned their home finale into a rout. at Denver 122, Sacramento 111: Kenneth Faried scored a seasonhigh 30 points and the Nuggets spoiled George Karl’s return to Denver, beating the Kings.

Dallas 120, at Lakers 106