Jrue Holiday scores career-high 51 points, Bucks beat Pacers

INDIANAPOLIS(AP) — Jrue Holiday scored a career-high 51 points, GiannisAntetokounmpo had 38 points in a triple-double and the NBA-leadingMilwaukee Bucks beat the Indiana Pacers 149-136 on Wednesdaynight.

Antetokounmpoadded 17 rebounds and 12 assists to help the Bucks improve to55-21. The two-time NBA MVP was an assist shy of a triple-double athalftime with 20 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. He returnedafter sitting out Monday night in a victory at Detroit because of asore knee.

Holiday had18 points in the third quarter, when the Bucks scored a season-high46 points to build a 12-point lead. He was 20 of 30 from the fieldwith three 3-pointers and hit 8 of 10 free throws. His previousbest was 40 points in an overtime victory over visiting Boston onFeb. 14.

Brook Lopezadded 21 points for the Bucks.

RookieBennedict Mathurin led Indiana — playing without its top threescorers — with 29 points. Aaron Nesmith had 22 and Jordan Nwora 18.Jalen Smith fouled out early in the fourth with 17. Rookie AndrewNembhard had 15 points and 15 rebounds.