Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard powered the Milwaukee Bucks to a nail-biting 125-119 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night.
Antetokounmpo finished with 32 points and 11 rebounds, while Lillard added 31 points, helping Milwaukee secure its fourth straight win and cap off a perfect 4-0 homestand.
Bucks Take Control but Face Late Scare
Milwaukee appeared to have the game in hand after opening the fourth quarter with a dominant 14-5 run, pushing their lead to 110-90. However, the Hornets refused to go quietly. A relentless effort led by LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller brought Charlotte back to within two points, 121-119, after Miller drained a clutch 3-pointer with just 15 seconds left.
Taurean Prince’s calmness at the line provided Milwaukee with crucial breathing room, sinking two free throws to restore a four-point cushion. Charlotte’s attempts to mount a final comeback fell short, as the Hornets missed back-to-back 3-pointers before Antetokounmpo sealed the victory with two more free throws.
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LaMelo’s Career Night Not Enough
LaMelo Ball was electric for Charlotte, pouring in a career-high 50 points. He shot 17-of-38 from the field, including six 3-pointers, while also knocking down 10-of-13 free throws. Ball’s explosive scoring nearly carried the Hornets to an improbable comeback. Rookie Brandon Miller added 32 points, providing a strong secondary scoring punch, but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome Milwaukee’s balance and poise in crunch time.
Bucks Show Firepower
The Bucks showcased their offensive depth and shooting prowess, knocking down 18-of-37 shots from beyond the arc to tie their season high for 3-pointers made. Lillard, who didn’t play in Milwaukee’s previous meeting with Charlotte, proved why he’s such a vital addition to the roster. He hit 10-of-11 from the free-throw line and connected on key shots to keep the Bucks ahead during crucial moments.
Antetokounmpo was equally dominant, controlling the paint and leading the way with his aggressive drives and defensive presence. His ability to close out the game from the free-throw line demonstrated why he remains one of the league’s most reliable stars in high-pressure situations.
Key Moments Swing Momentum
The Bucks seized control late in the third quarter with a momentum-shifting 12-3 run. Milwaukee hit four consecutive 3-pointers during that stretch, including key contributions from Lillard and Prince, to stretch the lead to double digits. This cushion proved vital as Charlotte made their furious fourth-quarter rally.
On the other side, Charlotte’s hopes took a hit when Grant Williams left the game late in the fourth with an apparent leg injury. His absence was felt as the Hornets tried to close the gap in the game’s waning moments.
Takeaways
Bucks: Milwaukee’s victory showcased their ability to adapt and execute under pressure. With six wins in their last seven games, they’re proving to be one of the most formidable teams in the league, especially when Lillard and Antetokounmpo are firing on all cylinders.
Hornets: Despite the loss, Charlotte showed resilience, cutting a 20-point deficit to two in the final seconds. However, their defense struggled to contain Milwaukee’s shooters, and they’ve now dropped five of their last seven games.
Key Stats
Milwaukee’s sharpshooting was the difference-maker, as they went 18-of-37 from 3-point range. Meanwhile, Charlotte committed 14 turnovers, leading to 17 Milwaukee points, which proved costly in a game that came down to the wire.
What’s Next?
The Bucks head to Miami on Tuesday for a pivotal NBA Group Play matchup, while the Hornets return home to host the Orlando Magic on Monday.
Milwaukee’s ability to close out tight games, combined with the star power of Antetokounmpo and Lillard, makes them a dangerous contender as they continue their march through the season.