MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to make sure the Bucks don’t rely too heavily on 3-pointers.
But for one night, Milwaukee showed how dangerous it can be with long-range shots. And that was enough to extend the longest winning streak recorded this season in the NBA.
Antetokounmpo scored 31 points and the Milwaukee Bucks, who have the best record in the NBA, hit 26 3-pointers in Wednesday’s 139-117 win over the Orlando Magic for their 16th straight win.
“It’s part of our game, but it’s not our only game,” Antetokounmpo said. “We can’t fall in love with our 3-pointer and just base it on that. When the shots come in it is an added value”.
It’s the longest winning streak in the NBA since the Phoenix Suns’ 18-win streak early last season. The Bucks are enjoying their best winning streak since winning 18 straight games in the 2019-20 season.
The franchise record for consecutive wins is 20, during their 1970-71 championship season.
Milwaukee hasn’t lost since losing 114-102 at Cleveland’s home on Jan. 21. The Bucks haven’t lost with Antetokounmpo on the court since Jan. 6 against Charlotte.
Also, Milwaukee reached 13 straight wins against the Magic.
Orlando had snapped the Boston Celtics’ nine-game winning streak on Jan. 23 and snapped the Philadelphia 76ers’ seven-game winning streak on Jan. 30, but couldn’t beat Milwaukee.
The Bucks made 26 of 56 3-point attempts to Orlando’s just 9 of 33.
Antetokounmpo was 10 of 14 from the field, including 3 of 4 3-pointers, as well as 8 of 10 from the penalty area, to add to his seven rebounds and six assists.
Jrue Holiday finished with 23 points and nine assists for the Bucks.
For Orlando, Cole Anthony had a season-high 28 points. Markelle Fultz added 21, Wendell Carter Jr. 19 and Franz Wagner 18.
