Jimmy Butler III scored a game-high 24 points, Brandin Podziemski returned from an injury to hit two key late 3-pointers and the host Golden State Warriors, playing without Stephen Curry, held off the Milwaukee Bucks 104-93 on Tuesday night.
With Curry resting his 36-year-old back and knees, Golden State rebounded from a home loss to the Denver Nuggets one night earlier to win for a 15th win in 18 games since acquiring Butler from the Miami Heat. Draymond Green chipped in with a game-high ten rebounds to go with four assists, four blocks, two steals and three points.
Kyle Kuzma had a team-high 22 points for the Bucks, who could not overcome off shooting nights by Giannis Antetokounmpo (5-for-16, 20 points) and Damian Lillard (6-for-18, 16 points). Antetokounmpo, who did half his scoring by going 10-for-15 at the line, paced the Bucks with nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks.
After seeing what was once a 17-point lead disappear in the third quarter, the Warriors went in front for good by scoring the period’s last eight points. Buddy Hield sank a 26-footer 3-pointer, Jonathan Kuminga made two foul shots, and Butler, fouled on a 3-point attempt with 1.5 seconds left, nailed three free throws for a 78-76 advantage. (Reuters)
