Fri Feb 21 03:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Bucks Rally Past Clippers Despite Antetokounmpo’s Minutes Restriction
**Milwaukee, WI** – The Milwaukee Bucks overcame a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 116-110 on Thursday night, fueled by a strong bench performance in the absence of several key players. Giannis Antetokounmpo, returning from a six-game absence due to a strained calf, scored 23 points in just under 24 minutes before exiting with a minutes restriction.
The Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard’s 25 points and James Harden’s 24 (pushing his career total past 27,000 points), held a commanding lead late in the game. However, the Bucks’ bench stepped up, with Brook Lopez leading the charge, scoring 22 points and securing the winning three-point play with just over three minutes remaining. Lopez also made a crucial block late in the fourth quarter.
Milwaukee’s victory came despite the absence of Bobby Portis, who began a 25-game suspension for violating the league’s anti-drug policy after testing positive for Tramadol. Portis maintains the positive test was accidental. The Bucks also saw the debut of Jericho Sims, acquired at the trade deadline, who played 17 scoreless minutes. Meanwhile, Clippers guard Norman Powell sat out due to knee soreness.
The game also marked the first time Antetokounmpo played alongside new teammates Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., and Sims. Kris Dunn recorded a career-high six steals for the Clippers. The Bucks now head to Washington to face former teammate Khris Middleton on Friday, while the Clippers travel to Indiana on Sunday.
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