Damian Lillard delivered with teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo out with a hamstring injury, scoring 31 points and delivering 16 assists in Milwaukee’s 140-129 NBA victory over Phoenix on Sunday.

Bobby Portis added 31 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for the home Bucks, who improved to 44-24 and strengthened their hold on second place in the Eastern Conference.

Lillard, the first player in club history to record 30 points and 15 assists in the same game, commended Portis and others for stepping up with Greek superstar Antetokounmpo out.

“It was huge,” Lillard said. “One of our biggest strengths is our depth. Bobby Portis is a starter on any other team but for our team he knows what his job is.

“Down a guy like Giannis, you know everybody is going to have to step their game up. We’ve been in this situation a couple of times this year and every time he has come through and delivered.

“I knew I wouldn’t have to come out and overdo it. Feed him. Feed everybody else, pick my spots and be aggressive.”

Lillard had 14 points and 12 assists in the first half as Milwaukee took an 82-60 half-time edge, the Bucks matching an NBA record held by the Suns and Utah Jazz by sinking 18 first-half 3-pointers.

Portis had 25 first-half points on 10-of-13 shooting, going 5-of-5 from beyond the arc.

“It’s fun after all the work you put in,” Portis said. “Just having good teammates and coaches that believe in you. We go through this marathon 82-game season together and try to build great camaraderie and chemistry.”

Lillard made 10-of-19 shots from the floor, 4-of-8 from 3-point range, and all seven free throw attempts. His efforts included a buzzer-beater from the mid-court logo to give the Bucks a 109-94 lead after three quarters.

“Keeping their defense honest,” said Lillard. “They probably thought with Giannis out, I was going to just try and force it. I just took advantage of what their defense was doing. They overhelped. I was making the simple plays. Guys made shots.

“It makes their defense push and choose. I was able to take advantage of it. When we play that way, we play our best — and I think I play my best.”

Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton, who missed 16 games with a sprained left ankle, scored 22 points in his comeback after six weeks away.

 

Bradley Beal led the Suns with 28 points, followed by Grayson Allen with 25, Devin Booker with 23, and Kevin Durant with 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks.

 

Phoenix dropped to 39-29, trailing Sacramento for the sixth and final Western Conference playoff place.