PHOENIX (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 36 points, Brook Lopez added 21 and the Milwaukee Bucks clinched a playoff berth by beating the Phoenix Suns 116-104 on Tuesday to become the first team with 50 wins this year. .
The Bucks, who have the best record in the NBA, didn’t go down the scoreboard until the end, but they achieved their 21st victory in 23 dates and are the first to qualify for the playoffs. The Suns conceded their third loss in a row.
The Suns trailed nine points at halftime but cut the lead to 85-84 before the fourth thanks to Devin Booker’s long basket at the buzzer in the third quarter.
Cam Payne hit back-to-back 3-pointers to put the Suns up 90-87 in their first lead of the second half. The game was even for the next few minutes but the Bucks took the lead for good when Pat Connaughton hit a slanted 3-pointer that put the score at 100-97 with 6:30 to play.
Antetokounmpo grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out eight assists. Lopez was 10 of 14 from the field and caught 10 boards. The Bucks closed the game with a 24-9 run.
Booker led the Suns with 30 points, Deandre Ayton finished with 19 and had eight rebounds despite playing just 26 minutes due to fouls.
