Milwaukee Takes Control Late to Secure 123-113 Win Over Charlotte
The Milwaukee Bucks used a balanced attack to pull away from the Charlotte Hornets in a 123-113 victory on Monday night. Bobby Portis led the charge off the bench with 25 points on 8-for-12 shooting, while Giannis Antetokounmpo added 24 points and seven assists as Milwaukee snapped a skid and moved to another win in a tightly contested matchup with Charlotte.
Portis Provides Spark Off the bench
Portis supplied a steady scoring punch for head coach Adrian Griffin, finishing near the basket and facing up for efficient scoring opportunities. His 25 points came on a mix of mid-range jumpers, putbacks, and timely drives that helped the Bucks weather a Hornets push. The veteran forward’s performance underscored Milwaukee’s depth and ability to produce offense even when primary scorers are quiet for stretches.
Giannis Keeps the Offense Flowing
Antetokounmpo contributed 24 points and seven assists, orchestrating several fastbreaks and executing in the pick-and-roll to keep Charlotte’s defense honest. His all-around impact was evident as the Bucks stretched a late lead with productive ball movement and disciplined decision-making. Giannis’s playmaking helped balance the offense when the Hornets challenged Milwaukee with defensive pressure.
Hornets Stay Competitive But Fall Short
Charlotte fought hard, keeping the game within reach for the majority of the night. The Hornets leaned on a mix of aerial finishes at the rim and steady perimeter shooting to stay within striking distance, but Milwaukee’s execution in the half-court and faster transition opportunities ultimately tipped the scales in the Bucks’ favor. Charlotte’s roster showed potential with vigorous defense and several players contributing across the box score, though turnovers at crucial moments limited their upside in the closing minutes.
Key Moments and Turning Points
A few late runs defined the game. After a back-and-forth first half, Milwaukee unlocked a sustained stretch in the third quarter, turning a small deficit into a lead that Charlotte could not quite erode. The Bucks’ bench continued to contribute, with reserve guards and forwards providing scoring bursts that stretched the Hornets’ rotation and forced multiple stops on defense.
Stat Ledger and Takeaways
Beyond Portis and Giannis, Milwaukee received solid contributions from role players that kept the offense balanced. The shooting efficiency from the perimeter combined with disciplined drives to the rim gave the Bucks a steady rhythm. On defense, Milwaukee managed to limit costly turnovers and contest three-point attempts, forcing Charlotte into tougher decision-making as the game wore on.
What This Means Going Forward
For Milwaukee, the win reinforces the depth the team has built alongside its star duo, a factor that could be crucial deeper into the season. For Charlotte, the performance offers a glimpse of upside in a competitive slate, with opportunities to tighten rotations and improve execution in late-game situations. Both teams will look to translate this effort into momentum as they head into their next tests on the schedule.
