The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Denver Nuggets, 121-114, at Pepsi Center on Sunday evening.

The game had the feel of a heavyweight fight, as it featured two of the elite squads from each conference. The Bucks (10-3) established that they'd be able to hang in the challenging environment of Pepsi Center from the opening tip, as they essentially matched the Nuggets (9-4) basket for basket during the first quarter. Milwaukee then forged ahead in the middle periods, outscoring Denver by a 66-53 margin that allowed them to create enough cushion to head into the fourth quarter with an 11-point advantage. The visitors got it done with some sharp shooting, as they drained 57.1 percent of their attempts, including 50.0 percent of their tries from distance.

Brook Lopez led the way for the Bucks with 28 points, a total he supplemented with four rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Giannis Antetokounmpo filled out the stat sheet with 22 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one block. Khris Middleton supplied 21 points, five rebounds and two assists. Malcolm Brogdon totaled 20 points, six boards, five assists and two steals. Eric Bledsoe contributed 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block.

Paul Millsap paced the Nuggets with 25 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Nikola Jokic delivered 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Trey Lyles managed 16 points and five rebounds. Gary Harris registered 15 points, four boards and three steals. Jamal Murray provided 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Malik Beasley poured in 10 points off the bench.

The Bucks head back home to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday evening, while the Nuggets remain home for a conference showdown with the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.