The Milwaukee Bucks used a 42-point third quarter to fuel a comeback victory in New Orleans over the Pelicans on Tuesday night.

Tuesday’s battle was highly anticipated, as it was the first time that 2019 MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and 2019 first overall pick Zion Williamson faced off head-to-head, and it did not disappoint. The game was filled with highlights from both stars.

Despite being outshot in the first half by nearly eight percent, the Pelicans had the lead at the break. However, the Bucks came out of halftime hot, using a 30-9 run to take a commanding 18-point lead.

The Bucks would keep their lead the rest of the way, holding off efforts from New Orleans that would bring them within seven points in the fourth quarter.

Bucks guard Wesley Matthews was a key part to the Bucks second-half dominance, hitting four three-pointers in the last 24 minutes and three of those in the third quarter. He would finish the game with 17 points on 6-11 shooting.

“He (Matthews) was focused. He was playing defense. He was knocking down shots. He was talking to everybody,” Antetokounmpo said.

Giannis, who was named all-star captain last week for the second straight season, led the Bucks to their 43rd victory of the season with 34 points, 17 rebounds and six assists.

On the other end, Brandon Ingram and Williamson were in control for the Pelicans. Ingram finished with 32 points and seven rebounds. Williamson added 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

“He (Williamson) is going to have a bright future,” Antetokounmpo said.

With the victory, Milwaukee became just the eighth team in NBA history to win 43 of their first 50 games. The other seven went on to reach the NBA Finals.

The Bucks will look to add to their success on Thursday night when they host one of their conference rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers. 

“We’re excited for every game, but we’re definitely excited for this one,” Matthews said.

Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. CST.