NBA on Dec. 21: Bucks beat Celtics 120-107

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Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points and got the Milwaukee Bucks rolling on an early 16-0 run that put Milwaukee in command for good in a 120-107 win over the short-handed Celtics on Friday night.

"We just tried to play a bit harder, a bit sharper," said Antetokounmpo, who also had eight rebounds and five assists.

Khris Middleton had 21 points and nine rebounds, Tony Snell scored 15 and Thon Maker added 12 points for Milwaukee, which has won six of seven.

"We haven't lost twice to the same team this year," Antetokounmpo said. "It's a good feeling, coming in here and getting a win in here because they play so well at home."

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a foul called against him during the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., December 21, 2018. /VCG Photo

Jayson Tatum scored 20 for Boston Celtics.

Kyrie Irving had 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Celtics, whose frustrations after their third straight loss carried over and led to a lengthy closed-door meeting in the locker room after the game.

The Celtics were missing their top two centers and forward Marcus Morris. Milwaukee capitalized on its advantage inside all night.

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., December 21, 2018. /VCG Photo

Malcom Brogdon had 10 points and nine rebounds and Antetokounmpo pulled down eight boards for the Bucks.

With Milwaukee controlling the paint, the Celtics were forced outside and made just 10 of 34 attempts from 3-point range and were 34 for 91 overall.

The Celtics have lost three straight since winning eight in a row.

Jaylen Brown scored 21 for the Celtics. Gordon Hayward had 11 points and Semi Ojeleye finished with 10 points, getting the start at center with Al Horford and Aron Baynes both out with injuries.

LeBron James gets triple-double, Lakers top Pelicans 112-104

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers scores on a fadeaway jumper over Darius Miller #21 of the New Orleans Pelicans during a 112-104 Laker win at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, U.S., December 21, 2018. /VCG Photo

LeBron James had 22 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Pelicans 112-104 on Friday night.

James got his third triple-double with the Lakers and No. 76 for his career, helping Los Angeles to its sixth consecutive home win. Kyle Kuzma had 23 points, and Ivica Zubac set season highs with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Anthony Davis had 30 points and 20 rebounds for the Pelicans, who lost their third straight game. Julius Randle had 21 points in his first game against the Lakers at Staples Center, and Jrue Holiday had 18 points and 10 assists.

Anthony Davis (L) of the New Orleans Pelicans is defended by players of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 112-104 Laker win at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, U.S., December 21, 2018. /VCG Photo

New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry said before the game that Davis will not be traded to the Lakers or anywhere else as long as he remains under contract to the Pelicans.

All five Lakers starters scored in double figures, with Brandon Ingram getting 18 points after missing seven games because of a sprained left ankle. Rajon Rondo had eight points and nine assists off the bench after missing 17 games because of surgery on his right hand.

Kuzma and Lonzo Ball hit 3-pointers on consecutive possessions to put the Lakers up 107-98 with 6:13 to play, and Los Angeles held on after losing its previous two games.

The Lakers led by as many as 13 in the third quarter, but Holiday hit a 3 with one second left to cut the Pelicans' deficit to 94-88 going into the fourth.

Other games on Friday included: (away teams come first)

Detroit Pistons 86-98 Charlotte Hornets

Cleveland Cavaliers 110-126 Toronto Raptors

Indiana Pacers 114-106 Brooklyn Nets

Atlanta Hawks 114-107 New York Knicks

Orlando Magic 80-90 Chicago Bulls

Minnesota Timberwolves 98-124 San Antonio Spurs

Utah Jazz 120-90 Portland Trail Blazers

Memphis Grizzlies 99-102 Sacramento Kings

Source(s): AP