Giannis scores 20, but Bucks drop second straight

Giannis Antetokounmpo showed Saturday night why he's among the NBA's most improved players this season. His teammates are improving, too. Just not enough to beat the Wizards.

Brandon Knight scored 27 points and Antetokounmpo added 20, along with 3 steals and 5 assists, but Washington beat the Bucks 111-100 and handed Milwaukee its second straight loss.

The Bucks put up 52 points in the first half and held a lead at the break thanks to some inspired play from Giannis and from Larry Sanders. But as the Bucks struggled to score in the second half, Paul Pierce (25 points) and John Wall (19 points, 9 assists) helped separate the Wizards from the home team.

With the loss, the Bucks fall to 7-7, still good enough for second place in the Central Division. Next week is a busy one for the Bucks; they play four games, including two against former Buck Brandon Jennings and the Detroit Pistons.