Bucks take control over reeling Celtics

BOSTON — The Milwaukee Bucks turned their slow start into a long, frustrating night for the Boston Celtics.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points and got the Bucks rolling on an early 16-0 run that put Milwaukee in command for good in a 120-107 win over the short-handed Celtics on Friday night.

“We just tried to play a bit harder, a bit sharper,” said Antetokounmpo, who also had eight rebounds and five assists.

Kyrie Irving had 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Celtics.

The Celtics’ third straight loss carried over and led to a lengthy closed-door meeting in the locker room after the game. “It is something that we will keep in the locker room,” said Jayson Tatum.

at Toronto 126, Cleveland 110:

Kawhi Leonard matched his season high with 37 points and OG Anunoby equaled his career high with 21 points as the Raptors improved their NBA-leading record to 25-9. The short-handed Raptors won their second straight despite injuries to three starters.

at San Antonio 124, Minnesota 98:

Bryn Forbes scored 22 points and the Spurs set a season-high with 18 three-pointers.

Utah 120, Portland 90: Ricky Rubio had 24 points and eight assists to lead the Jazz over the Trail Blazers, who suffered their worst home loss since 2004.

at Chicago 90, Orlando 80: Lauri Markkanen scored a season-high 32 points and the Bulls won for just the third time in 15 games.

Indiana 114, at Brooklyn 106: Victor Oladipo scored 14 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, Thaddeus Young added 21, and the Pacers ended the Nets’ seven-game winning streak.

Atlanta 114, at New York 107: Kent Bazemore scored 22 points, John Collins had 17 points and 16 rebounds, and the Hawks rallied to beat the Knicks. The Hawks had seven players score in double figures in their second straight win.

at Charlotte 98, Detroit 86: Marvin Williams poured in 24 points on a career-high seven three-pointers, and the Hornets defeated the Pistons for the third time this season.

at Sacramento 102, Memphis 99:

Buddy Hield made four of his six three-pointers over the final 8 1⁄2 minutes to lift the Kings.

at Lakers 112, Pelicans 104