NBA roundup: Lillard drops 43 as Bucks defeat 76ers in Hubie Brown’s final game

Damian Lillard, aged 34, delivered an impressive performance by scoring 43 points and successfully making eight out of Milwaukee's 24 three-point attempts on Sunday, leading the undermanned Bucks to a 135-127 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers.

In addition to his scoring, Lillard contributed eight rebounds and eight assists, compensating for the absence of former NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is 30 years old and missed his fourth consecutive game due to a left calf strain.

This victory coincided with the final game of play-by-play announcer Hubie Brown, who has been a prominent figure in sports broadcasting for over fifty years. His contributions have solidified his status as one of the most iconic voices in the field.

LeBron James, a fellow NBA star, also paid tribute to Brown, acknowledging his remarkable career.

Regarding the game, Bucks coach Doc Rivers, aged 63, indicated prior to the match that Antetokounmpo, who ranks second in the league with an average of 31.8 points per game, would be sidelined until after the All-Star Game, which he will not attend as he continues his recovery.

Lillard noted that Antetokounmpo's absence required him to take a more dominant role in the game. "I think I've just got to assert myself more," Lillard remarked. "When you're on the floor with the best player in the league, you've got to find ways to be effective—ensuring my spacing is correct and alleviating pressure from him."

He added, "When he's not out there, I have to take charge and play a style that is very familiar to me."

Gary Trent Jr. also made a significant impact, hitting seven three-pointers and scoring 23 points off the bench for the Bucks, who had struggled recently, losing six of their last eight games.

Lillard expressed the team's determination to improve as they approach the All-Star break, stating, "Good things happen when you direct your mind and energy positively, and I believe we accomplished that today."

Tyrese Maxey was the standout performer for the 76ers, scoring 39 points, while Joel Embiid contributed 27 points and 12 rebounds. Despite their efforts, Philadelphia suffered its third consecutive loss.

In Houston, the Rockets ended a six-game losing streak with a hard-fought 94-87 win against the Toronto Raptors. Trailing by five points entering the final quarter, Houston rallied to secure the victory.

Dillon Brooks was the leading scorer for the Rockets with 19 points, and Jalen Green, who celebrated his 23rd birthday, added 18 points. Center Alperen Sengun, who had been questionable due to back spasms, left the game early due to back pain.

Immanuel Quickley was the top scorer for the Raptors with 20 points but managed only two points in the fourth quarter as the Rockets took control, resulting in Toronto's fourth consecutive defeat.

In Detroit, Cade Cunningham recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, leading the Pistons to a 112-102 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Tobias Harris contributed 20 points, while Malik Beasley added 17 points off the bench.

The Pistons, who had built a 28-point lead, saw it shrink to just two points midway through the fourth quarter but managed to secure the win. Denis Schroder, who joined the Pistons shortly after being traded from Golden State to Utah in a five-team deal involving Jimmy Butler, provided three assists in 14 minutes off the bench.

SportsLigue