Portis, Antetokounmpo Lead Bucks Past Hornets for First Back-to-Back Wins Since October

Charlotte, N.C. — Bobby Portis scored 25 points off the bench, making 8 of 12 shots, while Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 24 points and seven assists to help the Milwaukee Bucks defeat the Charlotte Hornets 123-113 on Monday night. The victory marked Milwaukee’s first consecutive wins since late October. Myles Turner added 23 points, and Kevin Porter Jr. recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 assists. The Bucks’ last back-to-back victories came on October 28 and 30 against the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors. Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 31 points and eight rebounds, and LaMelo Ball added 26 points. Despite their efforts, Charlotte, missing key players due to injury, fell short of achieving their first three-game winning streak of the season.

Milwaukee overcame a significant rebounding deficit, being outboarded 47-31 by the smaller Hornets. After trailing 66-63 at halftime, the Bucks took control in the third quarter, outscoring Charlotte 32-23. Though the Hornets closed to within five points with three minutes remaining, the Bucks utilized their size advantage, feeding Turner and Antetokounmpo inside for easy baskets.

With the win, coach Doc Rivers passed George Karl for sixth place on the all-time wins list, recording 1,176 career victories. The Hornets’ lineup was further weakened when forward Miles Bridges suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter. Bridges initially landed awkwardly while navigating a screen set by Turner, re-injuring the ankle on a subsequent play while defending a 3-point attempt by Gary Trent Jr.

Up Next:

• Bucks: Host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.

• Hornets: Host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.