NBA: Suns continued their winning streak as Giannis helps Bucks win

(Basketball news) The Phoenix Suns continued their winning streak to 6 games as they beat the Los Angeles Clippers 103-96. For the Suns, Booker scored a game-high 26 points, Paul added 17 points and 14 assists, Mikel Bridges further added 19 points and Deandre Ayton had 12 points and 12 rebounds as the Suns have won six straight games and 17 of their past 18 dating back to Jan. 11. They also pushed their NBA-best record to 47-10. For the Clippers, Marcus Morris Sr. led the scoring with 23 points while Nicolas Batum had 18 as Reggie Jackson had a tough shooting night, making just 7 of 26 shots from the field. With this result the Suns remained on top of the Western Conference standings as the Clippers stayed in 8th place with a record of 29-31.

''We turn it on,'' Booker said. ''I don't want to make it sound like it's an on/off switch like we're not trying the rest of the game, but we've been in those situations, and we understand how much those little plays and 50/50 balls matter.''

''I do think the experiences we've had over the past couple years with this group, with Chris being the point guard, has certainly helped us,'' Suns coach Monty Williams said. ''Chris and Book aren't afraid to take those shots. They're not afraid to have the ball in their hands.''

''They have a team full of guys who can defend and want to defend,'' Clippers coach Ty Lue said. ''That makes them great right there.''

''Knowing it is just 10,000 – some guys get 30,000,'' Batum said. ''I don't know how they do that. It is pretty crazy. It's an achievement. It is a good thing to put that on the resume.''

The Milwaukee Bucks rode on a Giannis 50 point masterful performance as they beat the Indiana Pacers 128-119. For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a season-high 50 points, two off his career best, and pulled down 14 rebounds as this the first time he scored 50 points since the memorable title-clinching game in the NBA Finals last season, along with that Khris Middelton added 19 points and Jrue Holiday further scored 14 points. For the Pacers, Buddy Hield scored a season-high 36 points and Tyrese Haliburton had 17 points and eight assists. With this result the Bucks move within one victory of going on top of Eastern Conference standings as they are currently third with an improved record of 36-23.

'Obviously, it's a nice feeling to have 50, you'll always remember it, but I care about the win. I want to win games,'' Antetokounmpo said. ''We have another one on Thursday. We'll try to finish and go to the All-Star break on a good note. As long as we're winning, I'm good. You do whatever it takes. If you are thinking about let me get to 50, let me get mine, it doesn't work that way. You have to focus on winning games.''

''He's in a good place and good rhythm at the free-throw line,'' Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. ''You get 14 of those and a couple of 3-balls and it can add up for him. Fifty is never easy. It's great to have him back.''

Also read: NBA: The Nets finally break their losing streak and Clippers beat the Warriors

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