Damian Lillard delivered a standout performance, scoring 37 points and providing 12 assists to lead the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks to a 106-103 victory over the Miami Heat in an NBA Cup game on Tuesday night.
Lillard was efficient, hitting 10 of 17 shots, including an impressive 8-for-13 from beyond the arc, helping Milwaukee secure their fifth consecutive win. The Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo, the league’s leading scorer (32.4 PPG), due to left knee swelling, and Khris Middleton, who has yet to play this season following ankle surgeries.
Miami’s Jimmy Butler led his team with 23 points, while Tyler Herro contributed 18. Terry Rozier, returning from a foot injury, scored 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range.
Other NBA Cup Highlights:
- Rockets 117, Timberwolves 111 (OT):
Alperen Sengun recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds as Houston defeated Minnesota in overtime, clinching the West Group A title with a 3-0 record. Fred VanVleet added 27 points and 11 assists, while Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards tallied 29 points and 10 rebounds. - Suns 127, Lakers 100:
Devin Booker notched 26 points and 10 assists, with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal each contributing 23 points as Phoenix snapped a five-game losing streak. The Lakers, led by Anthony Davis (25 points, 15 rebounds) and LeBron James (18 points, 10 assists), lost their third straight game. - Bulls 127, Wizards 108:
Coby White’s 21 points and Nikola Vucevic’s 19-point, 12-rebound effort propelled Chicago to victory. The Wizards, led by Kyle Kuzma with 23 points, suffered their 12th consecutive loss. - Spurs 128, Jazz 115:
Victor Wembanyama scored a career-high 34 points, including 24 in the first half, as San Antonio earned their fourth straight win. The Spurs remain in contention for the West Group B quarterfinals, while Utah dropped to 0-3 in the group.
The NBA Cup tournament continues to intensify as teams battle for spots in the knockout rounds.
