Andre Jackson Jr.’s move to start 5 helps Bucks top Jazz

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

Milwaukee changed its starting lineup for the first time this season by inserting second-year wing 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, guards the best player. We play faster. He was unbelievable today. We definitely need that. We need that spark. We need to play with that energy.”

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

But despite the pair’s fast start, the Bucks haven’t been able to consistently translate their performances into wins, which is why Thursday’s game was so crucial.

“We needed it badly, desperately,” Lillard said. “It was important for us not only to get off the six-game losing streak, but to feel something good.”

Thursday began a five-game, seven-night stretch for the Bucks, who improved to 2-6. They play again on Friday against the Knicks in New York before returning home to face the Boston Celtics on Sunday.

“Going into this next stretch of games, it was important for us to get back in the win column,” Lillard said. “Not just winning a game, but doing a lot of things we can get some carryover with. We do a lot of the things we did tonight against any team at the pace we did it and the energy we did it with, I think we will be successful.”

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

“We keep looking 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 to the ball. Defend, understand your role.”

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

“I’m just trying to give him room to breathe,” 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 experienced back spasms and did not play in the second half.

Antetokounmpo returned to Milwaukee’s lineup after sitting out one game with a right adductor strain. He added 16 rebounds in the win and was expected to play Friday.

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

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