Giannis Antetokounmpo had 44 points (26 in the paint) and 14 rebounds, and the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks beat the Los Angeles Lakers 131-116 for their fourth straight win.
The Bucks took control with a 26-8 run in the first quarter and led by as many as 30.
Bobby Portis scored 23 points (11 in the third quarter) with 5 3-pointers, and Khris Middleton added 21 points. The Bucks had 3 20-point scorers. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Grayson Allen set each other up for 7 baskets and 15 points.
For the Lakers, LeBron James had 27 points and 8 assists, and Anthony Davis added 22 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks on 8 for 10 shooting. Malik Monk scored 20 points. The Lakers had 3 20-point scorers.
The Bucks shot 54.2% from the field and 41.7% from 3 to the Lakers’ 51.8% and 31.3%. They outscored the Lakers 25-11 off turnovers. The Lakers’ starters were outscored 56-35 in 16 minutes together.