In front of a national television audience, Giannis Antetokounmpo put up 27 points and 21 rebounds as the Bucks went toe-to-toe with the Houston Rockets and James Harden, with Milwaukee coming out on top 116-109 on Wednesday night.
Trailing by six at the half, the Bucks' defense got to work in the second half, allowing fewer threes and simultaneously picking up the effort on offense in a decisive third quarter, where Milwaukee outscored Houston 38-23.
Malcolm Brogdon had 24 points, with four other Bucks scoring in double figures.
James Harden had 42 points for the Rockets to lead all scorers.
Milwaukee heads now to Washington D.C. to face the Wizards on Friday night, before wrapping up the three-game road swing in Atlanta on Sunday afternoon.
Video: NBA
Videos: Fox Sports Wisconsin