NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Ryan Rollins made a career-high seven three-pointers and scored 27 points to help the Milwaukee Bucks beat the New Orleans Pelicans 139-118 Friday night for their third straight victory and sixth in seven games.
Playing without injured star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks pulled away in the fourth quarter to improve to 24-30. Antetokounmpo was out four weeks with a right calf strain.
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Bucks newcomer Cam Thomas, a former LSU star, had 27 points in 21 minutes coming off the bench, and Kevin Porter added 25 points. Rollins was 7-of-10 from 3 and had six assists, four steals and two blocks. The Bucks were coming off a win against defending champion Oklahoma City before the All-Star break.
Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 32 points in the first back-to-back home game, while leading scorer Trey Murphy sat out with right shoulder soreness. The Pelicans fell to 15-42.
Rollins had 16 points in the first half to help Milwaukee take a 71-65 lead. Williamson had 21 points at halftime.
The Bucks took a 103-96 advantage into the fourth. After the Pelicans cut the score to 108-102 on Williamson’s layup, the Bucks went on a 14-4 run. Pete Nance made two 3s and a layup during the run.
To be continued
Bucks: Host Toronto on Sunday.
Pelicans: Host Philadelphia on Saturday night.
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APNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
