The Milwaukee Bucks got a combined 59 points from All Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton Monday night, defeating the Denver Nuggets, 125-112.
The win is Milwaukee's fifth in a row and places the Bucks (16-8) one game behind first place Philadelphia (17-7) in the Eastern Conference standings.
Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer found out that starting point guard Jrue Holiday would be unavailable just hours before the game because of COVID contact tracing protocols. Holiday will not travel with the team to Phoenix and his return to the team is unknown at this time. Starting in Holiday's stead was Bryn Forbes, who scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field. Forbes also pulled down five rebounds.
Struggling Denver (12-11) has now lost three straight games. They were led by early MVP candidate Nicola Jokic' 35 points and 12 rebounds.
Milwaukee's road trip continues Wednesday night at Phoenix (14-9).