Milwaukee Bucks Secure First Back to Back Wins Since October
From the opening tip off at the Spectrum Center, Giannis Antetokounmpo looked like a man on a mission. Coming off a 29 point performance in his return from a calf injury just two days prior against Chicago, many wondered if the superstar would face any fatigue on the second leg of a road stretch. Instead, he provided a masterclass in shot selection and interior dominance.
Giannis converted 73% of his field goal attempts, primarily by attacking the heart of the Hornets' defense. With Charlotte missing key interior defenders, Antetokounmpo utilized his length and athleticism to finish at the rim with ease. Beyond his scoring, he acted as the primary playmaker for Milwaukee, tallying seven assists and finding open shooters as the Hornets attempted to double team him in the paint. His presence forced Charlotte to collapse their defense, which opened the floor for Milwaukee’s supporting cast to shine.
The Bench Spark: Bobby Portis Steps Up
While Giannis was the engine of the offense, it was Bobby Portis who provided the ultimate spark off the bench. Portis finished as the team's leading scorer with 25 points, shooting 8 of 12 from the field. His energy and ability to hit outside shots created a dual threat offense that Charlotte simply could not contain.
The Bucks' frontcourt depth was further bolstered by Myles Turner, who added 23 points and several critical blocks in the fourth quarter. Kevin Porter Jr. rounded out the balanced attack with a double-double, recording 15 points and 11 assists. This cohesive team effort allowed Milwaukee to overcome a 66-63 halftime deficit and dominate the second half.
Doc Rivers Climbs the All Time Coaching List
The victory was not only a milestone for the players but also for their head coach. With this win, Doc Rivers moved into sole possession of 6th place on the NBA’s all-time coaching wins list with 1,176 career victories, surpassing the legendary George Karl.
Rivers' tactical adjustments at halftime were evident. After allowing Charlotte to shoot high percentages in the first half, the Bucks switched to a more aggressive defensive scheme in the third quarter, outscoring the Hornets 32-23. By limiting LaMelo Ball’s penetration and forcing Brandon Miller into difficult perimeter shots, Milwaukee gained the control they needed to close out the game.
Charlotte’s Injury Woes Continue
For the Charlotte Hornets, the night was marred by yet another injury to a key starter. Forward Miles Bridges, who had been averaging over 20 points per game, left the contest in the first quarter with a right ankle injury and did not return. Bridges stepped awkwardly while fighting through a screen set by Myles Turner, leaving an already thin Hornets roster even more depleted.
Despite the loss of Bridges, Brandon Miller delivered a valiant performance, scoring 31 points and grabbing eight rebounds. LaMelo Ball added 26 points, but the lack of size and bench depth eventually took its toll. Without Ryan Kalkbrenner and Kon Knueppel, the Hornets were outrebounded in critical moments, allowing Milwaukee to secure second chance points that put the game out of reach.
Looking Ahead for the Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks (14-19) are finally starting to look like the contender many expected them to be at the start of the season. The health of Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the most critical factor in their success. When Giannis is on the floor and shooting with the efficiency he displayed on Monday night, the Bucks' offensive ceiling is as high as any team in the Eastern Conference.
As the team prepares for their next matchup, the focus will remain on defensive consistency and integrating their mid season acquisitions. If the "Greek Freak" continues to shoot 11 of 15 and the bench continues to provide 20+ points from Portis, Milwaukee will be a team no one wants to face in the playoffs come April.