Bucks beat Nets with Lopez’s ‘double-double’

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brook Lopez had 24 points, 10 rebounds and nine blocks for the Milwaukee Bucks, who beat the Brooklyn Nets 118-113 Thursday night.

The nine blocks were the most of Lopez’s career and the most by any player so far this season.

Bobby Portis added 28 points and 13 rebounds to help the NBA-leading Bucks claim their 19th victory in 20 games.

For the second game in a row, Milwaukee was without two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek star is suffering from right hand pain and missed Tuesday’s game, a win over Orlando, due to a condition other than COVID-19.

Losses in Brooklyn were heavier.

The Nets were without Nic Claxton, who has a sprained thumb in his right hand and a problem with his left Achilles tendon; Spencer Dinwiddie, who rested; Cam Johnson, affected by right knee pain; Royce O’Neale, with left knee pain, and Ben Simmons, who has lower back and knee injuries.

Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith were the only Brooklyn players to start two nights earlier, in a win at Houston.