Lopez comes up big, Bucks edge short-handed Nets 118-113

By: Associated Press

Posted: Mar 9, 2023 10:19 PM CDT

By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports Writer

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brook Lopez had 24 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high nine blocks and the Milwaukee Bucks outlasted the short-handed Brooklyn Nets 118-113 on Thursday night.

The nine blocks are most by an NBA player this season.

Bobby Portis added a season-high 28 points to go along with 13 rebounds to help the NBA-leading Bucks win for the 19th time in 20 games.

The Bucks were missing two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for a second straight game.

Antetokounmpo didn't play due to a sore right hand after sitting at Orlando on Tuesday with a non-COVID illness.

The Nets didn't have Nic Claxton (right thumb sprain/left Achilles tendinopathy), Spencer Dinwiddie (rest), Cam Johnson (right knee soreness), Royce O'Neale (left knee soreness) and Ben Simmons (left back/knee soreness).