Doncic-less Mavs snap Bucks' 18-game winning streak despite Giannis Antetokounmpo's 48

Sacha Pisani

Doncic-less Mavs snap Bucks' 18-game winning streak despite Giannis Antetokounmpo's 48 image

Despite the absence of injured star and MVP candidate Luka Doncic, the Mavericks ended the Bucks' winning streak at 18 games after prevailing by a final score of 120-116 on Monday night.

Not even Giannis Antetokounmpo's 48 points and 14 rebounds were enough to prevent the Bucks from tasting defeat for the first time since Nov. 8.

The Bucks (24-4) were on their longest winning streak since a franchise-record 20 consecutive victories in 1970-71.

Seth Curry and Kristaps Porzingis inspired the Mavericks (18-8) with 26 points apiece on the road in Milwaukee.

Rockets rally sets franchise record

Russell Westbrook (31 points) and James Harden (28 points) pushed the Rockets past a 25-point deficit to top the Spurs, 109-107. It is the franchise's largest comeback since Houston rallied from 23 points down against the Trail Blazers in 1977.

Pascal Siakam had 33 points and Kyle Lowry posted 20 points and 11 assists to lead the Raptors past the lowly Cavaliers, 133-113.

Rookie Ja Morant scored 20 points and supplied 10 assists as the Grizzlies cooled the Heat, 118-111.

CJ McCollum recorded 30 points, Damian Lillard finished with 27 and Carmelo Anthony added 23 as the Trail Blazers edged the Suns, 111-110.

Zach LaVine's 39 points could not stop the Bulls from falling, 109-106, to the Thunder, who were led by Chris Paul's 30 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

Cavs get little from bench

It was another tough night for the Cavaliers (6-21), who have lost seven of eight games in December. None of the team's bench players reached double-digit points.

Lillard with crucial 3-point play

The Blazers guard came up big when his team needed him most. With 25.6 seconds remaining and Portland trailing by two points, Lillard made a bucket through contact to put the Blazers ahead.

Lakers at Pacers

LeBron James and the Lakers roll into Indiana for Tuesday's clash with the Pacers. The Lakers (24-3) have won seven straight, while the Pacers (18-9) are eyeing their fourth consecutive victory.

Sacha Pisani