Post by : Maya Rahman

In an exhilarating NBA Cup matchup, the Milwaukee Bucks secured a thrilling 147-134 overtime victory against the Charlotte Hornets in East Group C. The game was marked by intense scoring and a flurry of lead changes, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams right from the start. With an aim to maintain their unbeaten streak, Milwaukee rose to the occasion, dominating in the extra period.

Regulation concluded with the teams locked in a tie, but overtime brought a different energy as Myles Turner opened with a three-pointer, igniting Milwaukee's momentum. Though Charlotte's Miles Bridges answered quickly with a floater, Turner responded with another three, catalyzing an 8-0 surge that would give the Bucks the edge. With less than two minutes remaining, Kyle Kuzma’s contribution from beyond the arc put Milwaukee ahead 140-131.

The Bucks outscored the Hornets 18-5 in the extra session, a significant margin that underscored their seasoned prowess in high-pressure situations. Throughout regulation, the game was characterized by a remarkable 32 lead changes and 11 ties, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. However, the Bucks found their footing once overtime commenced, proving too much for Charlotte to handle.

Giannis Antetokounmpo made a commendable return from a knee injury, contributing significantly to the Bucks' offense. Following a three-pointer attempt by Bridges, both teams faltered offensively until Giannis sank two consecutive baskets that effectively secured the win. He ended the night with 25 points, 18 assists—just shy of his career-best—and snagged seven rebounds.

Kyle Kuzma led Milwaukee with an impressive 29 points and 10 rebounds, supported by Ryan Rollins with 20 points and Turner’s key overtime efforts totaling 18 points. AJ Green added 13, while contributions from the bench included Bobby Portis with 12 points, along with Cole Anthony and Gary Harris, each scoring 10. This diverse scoring assault allowed the Bucks to maintain competitiveness and dominate the overtime period.

Charlotte also had notable performances from Miles Bridges and rookie Kon Knueppel, who each posted 32 points, helping to keep the game competitive. Despite a 10-point advantage early on, they were unable to sustain their lead against the Bucks’ depth. This loss marked Charlotte's fourth defeat in five games, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent performance.

LaMelo Ball’s return from an ankle injury saw him score 16 points while dishing out 10 assists, bolstering Charlotte's competitiveness. Moussa Diabate added 15 points and 11 rebounds, with Collin Sexton and Sion James contributing 14 and 12 points respectively. Their efforts, while commendable, fell short against Milwaukee’s late-game execution.

Following this victory, the Bucks improved to a commendable 2-0 in NBA Cup East Group C, becoming the only unbeaten team in the group, while the Hornets slid to 0-2, remaining winless. Milwaukee’s strong finish in overtime showcased their capability to shine under pressure.

Looking ahead, the Bucks aim to sustain their winning momentum as they prepare for upcoming fixtures. Their cohesive teamwork and adept play during critical moments suggest they could make a significant playoff run. Conversely, Charlotte must address defensive gaps to improve on their young talent’s promising displays as they push for consistency moving forward.

#Sports News