Andre Jackson Jr.’s move into the starting lineup helps the Bucks outperform the Jazz

MILWAUKEE – Thanks to a change to their starting lineup and two more standout performances from Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks ended a six-game losing streak with a 123-100 victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night.

Milwaukee changed its starting group for the first time this season, bringing in second-year winger Andre Jackson Jr. to replace Gary Trent Jr. Jackson, who turns 23 next week, had 7 points, 4 assists, 4 steals and 3 rebounds in 28 minutes.

“He brings energy,” Antetokounmpo said of Jackson’s presence in the starting lineup. “He plays his ass off, protects the best player. We play faster. He was incredible today. We definitely need that. We need that spark. We have to play with that energy.”

Jackson’s energy benefited both Lillard, who finished the game with a game-high 34 points, and Antetokounmpo, who scored 31 points. It was the third time in the first eight games of the season that both players scored at least 30 points, the most of any duo in the NBA this season.

But despite the two’s quick start, the Bucks failed to consistently translate their performance into wins, which is why Thursday’s game was so crucial.

“We needed it badly and desperately,” Lillard said. “It was important for us not only to put the six-game losing streak behind us, but also to have a good feeling.”

Thursday began a run of five games in seven nights for the Bucks, improving to 2-6. They play the Knicks again in New York on Friday before returning home to face the Boston Celtics on Sunday.

“Before the next period of the game, it was important for us to get back on the winning list,” said Lillard. “Not only do we win a game, but we also do a lot of things that we can take with us. Doing a lot of the things we did tonight against every team, with the pace we did it and the energy we did it with. I think we’ll have success.”

Before entering the starting unit, Jackson had seen his minutes steadily increase; He played just one minute of stoppage time in the first two games and reached a season-high 24:55 on Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“We continue to look for that position, just to be a good role player,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said before Thursday’s game. “[We want Andre to] Just be an athlete. Be quick on the ball. Defend yourself, understand your role.”

Rivers didn’t commit to a long-term change in the lineup, but said he made the move to help Trent break out of his early-season stalemate. After signing a veteran minimum contract with Milwaukee this offseason, Trent struggled in his first seven games, shooting 28% from the field and 23% on 3-pointers.

“I’m just trying to give him some breathing room,” Rivers said. “And get out of his little thing, because I know he will.”

Trent played just eight minutes against the Jazz and scored two points. Rivers said Trent had back spasms and didn’t play in the second half.

Antetokounmpo returned to the Milwaukee lineup after being sidelined with a right adductor strain. He contributed 16 rebounds in the win and was scheduled to play Friday.

“It feels, it feels great,” Antetokounmpo said of the end of the losing streak, Milwaukee’s longest since 2015. “Another one tomorrow. I think we’ll all try to remember how it feels when you lose, so let’s not go back there.” .

“To set the tone, especially in the first and third quarters. The ball moved. The boys defended. We were able to play good basketball.”