Key Highlights
- Milwaukee Bucks lead Charlotte Hornets 103-98 after the third quarter.
- Gary Harris contributed 10 points off the bench for the Bucks, while the starting unit all reached double figures in scoring.
- Kon Knueppel led the Hornets with 22 points despite out-rebounding the Bucks and having more offensive rebounds.
- The Bucks rallied from a 10-point deficit to take an early lead thanks to altered lineups by coach Doc Rivers.
Game Overview: Bucks Lead Hornets After Third Quarter
The Milwaukee Bucks maintained their dominance over the Charlotte Hornets, leading after three quarters with a score of 103-98. The game is part of an intense schedule for the Bucks, who are playing on the back end of a back-to-back.
Bucks Rallying from Deficit
Despite falling behind by 10 points at one point during the first half, the Bucks managed to reclaim control. A key contributor was Gary Harris, who netted 10 crucial points off the bench. Additionally, all five starters for Milwaukee reached double-digit scores.
Hornets’ Performance and Lineups
Charlotte’s rookie Kon Knueppel led the scoring with 22 points but could not prevent his team from trailing. The Hornets out-rebounded the Bucks by a margin of 20-16, securing five more points off offensive rebounds. However, this advantage was not enough to overcome Milwaukee’s strong showing.
Strategic Lineups and Turnovers
Bucks coach Doc Rivers made significant changes to his starting lineup early in the game. Kyle Kuzma replaced Gary Trent Jr., marking a departure from the usual opening line-up that had been used throughout the season. The altered lineups, combined with 12 turnovers leading to 18 Hornets points, resulted in Charlotte taking a brief lead at halftime.
NBA Cup Context
The game is part of the NBA Cup, an ongoing tournament featuring all 30 teams. Milwaukee currently leads its group (East Group C) with one win, while the Hornets have yet to secure their first victory in this season’s competition. The Bucks are also under pressure from Miami in a point-differential tiebreaker.
The Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as probable but is expected to play despite dealing with knee pain. Other notable injuries include Taurean Prince and Kevin Porter Jr., who are out due to previous surgeries, while Pat Connaughton returns to the Bucks’ lineup after a trade.
Game Details
The match between the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Hornets is scheduled for 7 p.m. Central Time (CT). Fans can watch it locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin with Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson, and Melanie Ricks providing commentary.
The game odds favor the Bucks as a 9.5-point favorite over the Hornets.
The NBA Cup provides additional context to this matchup. Winning teams receive significant prize money, with Milwaukee aiming for another strong showing in the tournament. Pat Connaughton’s return adds an interesting twist, given his history with the Bucks and his current role with Charlotte.
