LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Damian Lillard poured in 43 points, draining eight of Milwaukee’s 24 three-pointers on Sunday to propel the short-handed Bucks to a 135-127 National Basketball Association (NBA) victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Lillard added eight rebounds and eight assists in a sparkling effort that made up for the absence of former NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed his fourth straight game with a left calf strain.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers said before the game that Antetokounmpo, second in the league in scoring with 31.8 points per game, will be out until after the All-Star Game, which he will skip as he recovers.

Antetokounmpo’s absence, Lillard said, meant he had to impose himself on the game.

“I think I’ve just got to assert myself more,” Lillard said.

“When you’re on the floor with the best player in the league you’ve got to find ways to be effective — I’ve got to make sure that my spacing is right. I’ve got to make sure that I’m taking pressure off him.”

“When he’s not out there, I’ve got to assert myself and play a game that’s very familiar to me.”

Gary Trent Jr. drilled seven three-pointers on the way to 23 points off the bench for the Bucks, who had dropped six of their last eight.

Lillard said the Bucks were determined to turn things around heading into the All-Star break.

“Good things happen when you push your mind and energy in the right place and I thought we did that today,” he said.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 39 points and Joel Embiid added 27 points and 12 rebounds, but Philadelphia slumped to a third straight defeat.