MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Bucks attacked early and often, and then used a 31-point third quarter blitz to put away the Portland Trail Blazers, 95-85, on Saturday night at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.
Balanced scoring was the key once again for the young Bucks as six of their players scored in double figures led by Jared Dudley's 18 points. O.L. Mayo had 17 while John Henson had 14. Brandon Knight and Jerryd Bayless added 11 each and Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 10.
Up 40-25 at the 5:05 mark of the second quarter, the Bucks watched their lead disappear when a Wes Matthews jumper gave Portland the upperhand, 48-47, early in the third period. But the Bucks gathered themselves and went on a 29-17 tear to build a 76-65 edge entering the fourth quarter.
"Milwaukee is playing very well and their defense showed what they have been doing all year," Blazers head coach Terry Stotts told reporters after Portland was held to just 32 of 88 from the field (36.4 percent).
With their third straight win, the Bucks improved to 25-22, sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The Blazers, losers of three in a row, fell to 32-16 but remained in fourth place in the Western Conference.
Damian Lillard had 19 to lead Portland, but the All-Star points guard shot only 6-of-19 form the field, including just 1-for-10 form 3-point range. Wesley Matthews had 19 while LaMarcus Aldridge contributed 18 points and 13 boards.
Photo: Jerryd Bayless made timely baskets all game long and the Milwaukee Bucks held of the Blazers, 95-85.
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