NBA roundup: Giannis-less Bucks stun Suns behind Damian Lillard's big game

On Sunday, Damian Lillard stepped up in the absence of his teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Lillard showcased his skills by scoring 31 points and dishing out 16 assists, contributing significantly to Milwaukee's 140-129 victory over Phoenix in the NBA.

Reserve Bobby Portis contributed 31 points and 10 rebounds for the Bucks, who improved to 44-24 and solidified their hold on second place in the Eastern Conference.

Lillard, the first player in Bucks history to record 30 points and 15 assists in a single game, praised Portis and his teammates for stepping up in the absence of Greek superstar Antetokounmpo.

"It was crucial," Lillard said. "One of our greatest assets is our depth. Bobby Portis could start for any other team, but he understands his role on our team.

"Missing a player like Giannis, everyone knows they need to elevate their game. We've faced this situation a few times this season, and each time he has delivered.

"I knew I didn't need to force anything. Feed him. Feed everyone else, choose my moments, and stay aggressive."

Lillard recorded 14 points and 12 assists in the first half, helping Milwaukee to an 82-60 halftime lead. The Bucks tied an NBA record, shared with the Suns and the Jazz, by hitting 18 3-pointers in the first half.

Portis scored 25 points in the first half on 10-of-13 shooting, including a perfect 5-of-5 from beyond the arc, as the Bucks shot 24-of-41 from 3-point range overall.

"It's rewarding after all the hard work you put in," Portis said. "Having great teammates and coaches who believe in you. We go through this 82-game season together, trying to build strong camaraderie and chemistry."

Lillard shot 10-of-19 from the field, made all seven of his free throws, and hit 4-of-8 from 3-point range, including a buzzer-beater from the mid-court logo to give the Bucks a 109-94 lead after three quarters.

"They probably expected me to try and force things with Giannis out. I just capitalized on what their defense gave me," Lillard said. "When we play like that, we play our best—and I think I play my best."

Milwaukee's Khris Middleton, who had been sidelined for 16 games with a sprained left ankle, returned to score 22 points.

Bradley Beal led the Suns with 28 points, while Grayson Allen added 25 and Devin Booker scored 23.

Two thrilling buzzer-beaters highlighted the night's action:

Kyrie Irving made a left-handed 20-foot floater at the final buzzer, giving Dallas a 107-105 home win over Denver and ending the Nuggets' five-game winning streak.

Denver's Jamal Murray scored 12 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, including a 3-pointer that capped a 20-4 run for a 105-102 lead. However, Luka Doncic, who scored 37 points, including 23 in the first half, answered with a 3-pointer, and Irving's shot sealed the victory for Dallas.

Irving finished with 24 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds as Dallas improved to 39-29, holding the seventh spot in the Western Conference.

Nikola Jokic, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets, whose record fell to 47-21, dropping them out of a share of the top spot in the West with Oklahoma City.

In another game, Bam Adebayo hit a 30-foot 3-pointer at the buzzer, giving Miami a 104-101 win over Detroit. Adebayo ended the game with 20 points and a game-high 17 rebounds.

Duncan Robinson of Miami scored 30 points and became the fastest player in NBA history to make 1,000 3-pointers, reaching the milestone in his 343rd game, seven fewer than the previous record held by Bahamian Buddy Hield.

Elsewhere, Boston's Sam Hauser scored a career-high 30 points on 10-of-13 shooting, all from 3-point range, in the Celtics' 130-104 victory over Washington. Hauser was sidelined by a left ankle sprain after his impressive performance.

Jayson Tatum also scored 30 points for Boston, which improved to an NBA-best record of 53-14 with their fifth straight win. Washington, the worst team in the NBA, fell to 11-57.

In a thrilling overtime game, French rookie Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio to a 122-115 victory over Brooklyn with game-highs of 33 points, 16 rebounds, seven blocks, and seven assists.