Author: Matt Velazquez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 17 of his 37 points in the fourth as the Bucks came alive and put away the Grizzlies to extend their win streak to 17.

Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrated his 25th birthday with 27 points as the Bucks rolled to a 119-91 rout of the Clippers for their 14th straight win.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the 26-year-old brother of Milwaukee’s superstar and league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, will join the Bucks on a two-year deal.

Intent on keeping their core together, the Bucks took a big step toward that end by agreeing on long-terms deals with Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez.

Milwaukee dominated the first two rounds of the playoffs and took a 2-0 lead on Toronto in the Eastern Conference finals before the wheels fell off.

This season has been all about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rise to superstardom and likely first MVP. This postseason, however, has been all about Kawhi Leonard.

The Bucks have used their bench more during the postseasonthan any of the remaining teams in the playoffs, and the players have been productive.

The Bucks sank a franchise playoff record 20 three-pointers and ended the third quarter on a 24-2 run that effectively ended the game.

The first-year Bucks coach has changed the team’s culture with encouragement, honesty and a healthy – if unexpected – reliance on surprise and fun.