Joe Ingles and Bucks consolidate top spot in NBA

Joe Ingles and the Milwaukee Bucks have moved two wins clear atop the NBA's Eastern Conference with a 130-94 demolition of easybeats San Antonio.

One of three teams in the east to have already clinched a play-off spot, the Bucks (52-20) are now further ahead of second-placed Boston Celtics having played one game fewer.

Boston must wait until they take on the Indiana Pacers on Saturday (AEDT) before they can attempt to close the gap.

Australian veteran Ingles, recruited this season, was again important off the bench and finished with 14 points and two steals. 

The 35-year-old is known for his precision from deep and when he hit a corner three to beat the buzzer at the half, the Bucks extended their lead to 15 points.

The Spurs (19-54) were never again in the game as two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo racked up his 42nd double-double from 57 games this season. 

The power forward led all comers for points (31) and rebounds (14).

"They (the Bucks) have got their culture down," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "They're confident. They know they can do it if they play the right way, which they do most of the time. Tonight was a good example.

"I'd love to be able to play them every night. It would be great for our young kids to see how it gets done and how mistakes are made and what's important."

Elsewhere, Washington Wizards recruit Xavier Cooks played his second NBA game but only came on once the clash with Western Conference heavyweights Denver was out of reach at 113-94. The score finished 118-104 in the Nuggets' favour.

Cooks, who only last week was playing for the Sydney Kings in their NBL championship series, managed just one rebound from his three-and-a-half minutes on the floor. He is yet to sink his first basket at NBA level.

Dallas Mavericks mastermind Luka Doncic came up with more assists than in any game since April 2021 but the Slovenian's efforts could not secure his team a win against the Golden State Warriors.

Along with his game-high 30 points, Doncic had 17 assists - three shy of his personal best - as a mouthwatering tit-for-tat with Steph Curry (20 points, 13 assists) unfolded.

Neither side led by more than 10 points at any stage but the Warriors maintained a tight advantage for the last 90 seconds and got home 127-125.

Australia's Josh Green had 12 points and four rebounds starting next to Doncic in the backcourt.

with The AP