REIGNING NBA champions Milwaukee Bucks recorded the largest half-time lead in their franchise’s history as they routed the Orlando Magic 123-92.
Bucks led by 41 points at halfway, seven players finishing a dominant performance with double figures.
Jrue Holiday led with 18 points 6 rebounds 4 assists, while reserve Pat Connaughton landed five three-pointers as he added 17 points.
It marked the Bucks’ fourth consecutive win, and ninth in a row over Orlando.
Five-time NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 12 points in addition to 8 rebounds 9 assists.
The Magic – without injured Cole Anthony – have now lost six of their last seven games.
The Bucks held a moment of silence prior to Monday’s game for the victims of Sunday’s Christmas parade crash which happened 20 miles west of Milwaukee.
Five people were killed when a driver ploughed into a crowd, injuring many more.
Elsewhere on Monday, Kevin Durant scored 27 points as Eastern Conference leaders the Brooklyn Nets. rallied for a 117-112 win over Cleveland Cavaliers.
Phoenix Suns, second in the Western Conference, recorded their 13th successive victory by edging out San Antonio Spurs 115-111.
The Suns’ winning streak is their longest since the 2006-07 season when they won 17 straight games.
Jaren Jackson Jr scored a game-winning basket with 6.7 seconds left, as his Memphis Grizzlies beat Utah Jazz 119-118, while Los Angeles Kings fell to their eighth defeat in nine games at the hands of Philadelphia 76ers, who won 102-94.
There were wins too for Charlotte Hornets, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves,
(BBC Sport)
