DETROIT (AP) Giannis Antetokounmpo was ready to go toe to toe with Blake Griffin during a second-quarter flareup between division rivals Milwaukee and Detroit.

The game was turning contentious. It wouldn't stay close for long.

"They're just a great defensive team and just play really physical," Antetokounmpo said. "They want to be physical, they want to be dirty. They want you to get out of your game, and whenever you come in Detroit, you expect that."

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BOSTON (AP) Jaylen Brown banked in a 3-pointer and blew a kiss to a former teammate.

He wanted to remind old friend Kelly Olynyk that he can shoot from the outside.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) It's only December but Devonte' Graham is making a strong case for the NBA's Most Improved Player.

Graham added to his growing resume on Wednesday night, knocking down 10 of 16 3-pointers and finishing with 33 points as the Charlotte Hornets spoiled D'Angelo Russell's return to the court with a 106-91 victory over the Golden State Warriors. He also had nine assists and seven rebounds with only two turnovers.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) The Los Angeles Lakers had plenty of energy left for the second night of a difficult back-to-back.

Anthony Davis scored 26 points, LeBron James added 20 points and 12 assists for his 17th double-double in 22 games, and the Lakers dominated on both ends of the court in a 121-96 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.

DALLAS (AP) The Dallas Mavericks showed Wednesday night they are much more than Luka Doncic.

Dwight Powell scored 24 points on 9-for-9 shooting from the field, Jalen Brunson ignited a fourth-quarter rally with 14 of his 16 points in the period and the Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 121-114.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The Indiana Pacers added to Oklahoma City's growing collection of disappointing second halves.

T.J. Warren scored 24 points to help Indiana beat the Thunder 107-100 on Wednesday night.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) After spending most of the season struggling to find ways to win despite an inconsistent offense, scoring suddenly seems to come easily for the Orlando Magic. On Wednesday night, the Phoenix Suns witnessed that shift firsthand.

Aaron Gordon scored a season-high 32 points, Terrence Ross had 22 and the Magic beat the Suns 128-114 at Amway Center.

ATLANTA (AP) On a team that's undergone a full roster rebuild and endured significant injuries, Garrett Temple knew the Brooklyn Nets would need extra time to mesh.

"We had so many new guys," Temple said. "On this team, our defensive principles are a little different than around the NBA. We have a very unique game plan a lot of the times. We are doing a great job out there, and guys are buying in."

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) CJ McCollum was confident it would all start to come together.

McCollum scored 33 points and the Portland Trail Blazers pulled away in the final quarter to beat the Sacramento Kings 127-116 on Wednesday night.

CHICAGO (AP) Although closing out games remains a struggle, the Chicago Bulls have hung on to win two straight after several losses in similar situations earlier in the season.

Zach LaVine scored 25 points, Wendell Carter Jr. had 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Chicago beat the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies 106-99 on Wednesday night after nearly losing a 22-point lead.