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Bucks rout Hornets, 137-96; Giannis’ double-double run ends

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 points but his double-double streak ended at 19 games when he grabbed nine rebounds while playing only 20 minutes as the Milwaukee Bucks coasted to a 137-96 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night.

Milwaukee (17-3) won its 11th straight game and matched its highest point total of the season. The Bucks held a 17-point halftime lead and extended it to 101-75 entering the fourth quarter, allowing the reigning MVP to sit out the final period.

Antetokounpo’s streak of double-doubles to open a season left him short of Bill Walton’s record of 34 with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1976-77. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also had 29 for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975-76.

Charlotte Hornets' P.J. Washington (25) defends against the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Milwaukee. (AP PhotoJeffrey Phelps)

The Bucks put nine players in double figures and finished November with a franchise-best 15-1 record, losing only on a buzzer-beating shot in Utah on Nov. 8. Milwaukee has the league's second-best record, behind the Los Angeles Lakers (17-2).

Robin Lopez, starting at center in place of brother Brook, sparked the Bucks in the first half with three 3-pointers and 13 points in 16 minutes. Robin was in the starting lineup with Brook sidelined by back soreness.

Milwaukee led 66-49 at halftime behind Antetokounmpo’s 21 points and 56.2% shooting as a team. George Hill added 10 points on 4-for-4 shooting.

Milwaukee Bucks' Robin Lopez (42) reacts after his 3-point basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Milwaukee. (AP PhotoJeffrey Phelps)

The Bucks held a 32-14 advantage in point in the paint and had 15 fast-break points at intermission.

Devonte' Graham led the Hornets (8-13) with 24 points and Terry Rozier added 19.

Milwaukee pulled away in the third quarter as it outscored the Hornets 35-26. Wesley Matthews had 12 of his 14 points in the quarter, going 3 of 4 from 3-point range and adding a three-point play.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo drives past Charlotte Hornets' P.J. Washington during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Milwaukee. (AP PhotoJeffrey Phelps)

Khris Middleton came off the bench for the third straight game since returning from a thigh injury and added 15 points, and Ersan Ilyasova and D.J. Wilson each had 11.

TIP-INS

Hornets: Center Cody Zeller returned to action after missing the two previous games with a left hip contusion He had 11 points in 20 minutes off the bench. … Graham has made huge strides this season, entering Saturday averaging 17.9 points while shooting 41.1% from 3-point distance. “You’re on the scouting report now; their best defender is on you now,” Hornets coach James Borrego said of the second-year player. “You’re getting their best look, their best scheme. Teams are blitzing him now and the kid is handling it extremely well. He has that poise about him.”

Milwaukee Bucks' Donte DiVincenzo drives past Charlotte Hornets' Bismack Biyombo during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Milwaukee. (AP PhotoJeffrey Phelps)

Bucks: Sterling Brown (right AC joint sprain) and Thanasis Antetokounmpo (stomach illness) remained out of the lineup. Giannis Antetokounmpo twisted his right ankle in the Bucks’ 119-110 victory over Cleveland on Friday and was listed as probable with back soreness but played on the second night of a back-to-back set. “I think he’s like most NBA players; he’s a little banged up and bruised,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “He’s in a good place. My guess is the ankle is good, the back is good, the elbow is good, everything.” … Center Dragan Bender was active for Milwaukee after scoring 19 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in the Wisconsin Herd’s 133-115 win over the Erie BayHawks in G-League play on Friday night in Oshkosh. Bender entered Saturday’s game in the third quarter and splashed a 3-pointer for his first points with the Bucks. He finished with 12 points.

UP NEXT

Hornets: Host Phoenix on Monday.

Charlotte Hornets' Nicolas Batum, center, shoots against the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Milwaukee. (AP PhotoJeffrey Phelps)

Bucks: Host New York on Monday.