The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 128-119, at Smoothie King Center on Monday night.

The much-ballyhooed showdown between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Zion Williamson -- the fourth head-to-head meeting of their careers -- opened with a hotly contested first quarter that the Bucks (22-8) emerged from with a 30-27 lead. Both teams were even sharper offensively in a second quarter during which 70 total points were scored, but Milwaukee still enjoyed a five-point halftime advantage over the Pelicans (18-12). The visitors gained more separation in the third by doubling up their edge, and although New Orleans got as close as within three with 1:32 remaining , a quick 7-0 run by the visitors put an end to any hopes of a comeback.

Antetokounmpo led the way with 42 points, adding 10 rebounds, one assist and one block. Brook Lopez finished with 30 points, seven boards, three assists and one block. Jrue Holiday generated an 18-point, 11-assist double-double that included four rebounds, two steals and one block. Pat Connaughton furnished 11 points, four boards, one assist and one block.

Jonas Valanciunas paced the Pelicans with a 37-point, 18-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. C.J. McCollum supplied 31 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Williamson managed 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Trey Murphy compiled 13 points and five rebounds.

The Bucks remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.