Allen's hot start helps Bucks defeat Mavericks 124-115

Updated Nov. 27, 2022 10:33 p.m. ET

Associated Press

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points and the Milwaukee Bucks capitalized on Grayson Allen’s sizzling start to beat Dallas 124-115 on Sunday, handing the Mavericks their fourth straight loss.

Allen scored 22 points in the game’s first 17 ½ minutes while shooting 7 of 7 from beyond the arc, tying his career high for 3-pointers. Allen matched the highest total for made 3-pointers in a half without any misses over the last 25 seasons, according to ESPN Stats.

Allen finished with a season-high 25 points while shooting 8 of 10 overall and 7 of 8 on 3-point attempts. The Bucks shot 55.8% overall as a team and went 17 of 37 from beyond the arc, matching a season high for 3-point baskets.

Luka Doncic had 27 points, 12 rebounds and five assists for the Mavericks, who lost despite shooting 51.3%. Spencer Dinwiddie scored 22 points and Christian Wood added 21.

The Mavericks were playing for a second straight night after losing 105-100 at Toronto on Saturday..

Jrue Holiday scored 16 points, Bobby Portis 15, Jevon Carter 14 and Brook Lopez 13 for the Bucks. Antetokounmpo had 11 rebounds and Portis added 10 boards as Milwaukee improved to 6-1 against Western Conference teams.

Milwaukee made its first seven shots, including four from 3-point range, to grab an 18-5 lead that included a 13-0 run.

That set the tone for the rest of the game.

The Bucks grabbed a 73-62 lead at the break after posting their highest point total in any half this season.

Dallas cut the Bucks’ lead to 86-85 on Dinwiddie's layup midway through the third quarter, but Carter responded with a 3-pointer that started a 10-0 run.

Milwaukee broke the game open by scoring 11 straight points early in the fourth quarter to extend its lead to 115-97. The Bucks maintained a double-digit advantage until the final minute.

TIP-INS

Mavericks: Reggie Bullock sat out as the Mavericks chose to rest him rather than having him play for a second straight night. Bullock has shot just 4 of 23 from 3-point range over his last five games. ... Tim Hardaway Jr. made his first start of the season.

Bucks: Pat Connaughton played his third game of the season after sitting out the Bucks' 117-102 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday due to a non-COVID illness. Connaughton missed Milwaukee's first 15 games with a right calf strain. ... Khris Middleton was assigned to the NBA G League's Wisconsin Herd for a second time as the three-time All-Star works his way back from offseason wrist surgery. Middleton hasn't played yet this season. “It's another opportunity for somebody who didn't have open gym, didn't have training camp," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said before the game. “There's a lot of things that go into playing an NBA game. He's making good progress.” ... … The Bucks have been at home for 13 of their first 19 games this season. They’ll be on the road for 11 of their next 15 contests.

UP NEXT

Mavericks: Hosts Golden State on Tuesday.

Bucks: At New York on Wednesday. The Bucks beat the Knicks at home 119-108 on Oct. 28.

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