GIANNIS IN FABULOUS SEASON START

Greek Freak collects 38 points, 16 rebounds as Bucks score fourth win in row

LOS ANGELES – The numbers are adding up quickly for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The reigning NBA MVP had 38 points and 16 rebounds to help the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 129-124, on Wednesday night for their fourth victory in a row. It’s what he’s done to start the season that really stands out.

Antetokounmpo became the first player in league history with 200 points, 100 rebounds and 50 assists in the first eight games of a season.

“He played the whole fourth quarter and was fabulous,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said.

Antetokounmpo had 13 points in 12 minutes during the fourth as Milwaukee repelled several threats by the Clippers, who kept getting within four only to come up short.

“Guys were physical with me but at the end of the day you’ve just got to keep doing what you’re doing,” Antetokounmpo said. “I was trying to make plays, try to stay aggressive. That’s what my teammates wanted me to do.”

Antetokounmpo just missed a triple-double with nine assists. He’s posted at least 10 rebounds and five assists in each of the first eight games this season, the first player to do that since at least 1972-73. “He’s a beast,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. George Hill scored 24 points off the bench and hit six of the Bucks’ 18 3-pointers.

The Clippers were without Kawhi Leonard, who rested for the first half of a home back-to-back. He’ll play against Portland on Thursday night.

“When he sits out we’ve just got to step up,” said Lou Williams, who had 34 points and 11 assists.

Montrezl Harrell had a career-high 34 points and 13 rebounds in his first start of the season.

“It don’t mean nothing,” he said in a low voice. “We lost.”

Patrick Beverley added 20 points and 10 rebounds in the Clippers’ first home defeat.

Led by Hill and Kyle Korver with 14 points, the Bucks’ reserves outscored the Clippers’ bench 47-20, the first time that’s happened to Los Angeles this season. Harrell and Williams being in the starting lineup reduced much of the bench production. (AP)

NBA RESULTS: DETROIT 122, NEW YORK 102; INDIANA 121, WASHINGTON 106; CHICAGO 113, ATLANTA 93; TORONTO 124, SACRAMENTO 120; HOUSTON 129, GOLDEN STATE 112; MEMPHIS 137, MINNESOTA 121; DALLAS 107, ORLANDO 106; UTAH 106, PHILADELPHIA 104. AFP

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks scores on a layup past Landry Shamet of the LA Clippers during a 129-124 Bucks win at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.