Westbrook scores 31 as Rockets get 120-116 win over Bucks

Russell Westbrook scored 31 points and Houston Rockets used strong defence down stretch for a 120-116 victory over Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night.

It was 36th straight game with at least 20 points for Westbrook, who led Houston’s offence on a night James Harden scored 24.

Houston tied an NBA record for most 3-point attempts in a regulation game with 61, making 21 of m, and forced 22 turvers.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 36 points, 18 rebounds and eight assists for Milwaukee. He joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as only players to have 15 games with at least 30 points, 15 rebounds and five assists in a season in last 50 years.

Khris Middleton scored 27 points and Brook Lopez added 23 as Bucks missed a chance to clinch best record in Eastern Conference.

Milwaukee led by one in fourth quarter before Lopez scored first four points of a 7-0 run that was capped by a 3 from Middleton to make it 112-104 with about 3 minutes remaining.

But Houston scored next nine points, highlighted by a 3 and a steal from P.J. Tucker and a block by Harden on Antetokounmpo, to go on top 113-112 about a minute later.

Lopez ended Houston’s run with a basket in paint to make it 114-113 with less than a minute to go.

Westbrook made two free throws before a shot by Antetokounmpo left Milwaukee up 116-115 with 16.5 seconds remaining.

Westbrook made two more free throws and Danuel House stole a pass from Antetokounmpo and was fouled. He added two free throws to leave Houston up 119-116 with 14 seconds left.

Middleton missed two 3-point attempts after that to allow Houston to hold on for victory.

Rockets were up by two after a basket by Westbrook with about 1 ½ minute left in third quarter. Antetokounmpo and Kyle Korver hit late 3s to take a 90-89 lead into fourth quarter.

TIP-INS

Bucks: G Eric Bledsoe and Pat Connaughton both missed ir second straight games as y continue to get back in shape after testing positive for COVID-19. ... Milwaukee out-rebounded Houston 65-36.

Rockets: G Eric Gordon missed his second game with a sprained left ankle. ... Tucker missed his first six 3-pointers before making his first two attempts of second half. He finished with 11 points.

UP NEXT

Bucks: Play Brooklyn Tuesday.

Rockets: Play Portland Tuesday night.