Rapid Recap: Bucks 116, Hornets 103

Maybe it was the jet lag, maybe it was the parade of team activities, but whatever it was, the Milwaukee Bucks cane out slow in Paris but finally, mercifully, overtook the Charlotte Hornets 116-103. It was an abysmal first quarter for Milwaukee, who played lethargically from the jump as Charlotte leaped out to a 31-24 advantage after one behind six turnovers for the Bucks. Milwaukee made up a modicum of ground in the second, heading into halftime down 55-50 after shooting just 4-14 (28.6%) from deep. As the fourth quarter got underway, the Bucks finally tied the game up at 78 behind a late run from the bench. Finally Milwaukee broke out to win handily in the fourth.

Unsurprisingly, Giannis Antetokounmpo was the focal point of Charlotte’s defensive effort as they tried, usually unsuccessfully, to prevent him from finishing at the tin. Eventually, through sheer force of will, Giannis took over in the fourth quarter and led Milwaukee to victory behind 30 points, 16 rebounds and six assists.

Khris Middleton couldn’t get himself going for the entire first half, ending with one of his weaker stat lines in awhile, but still helping finish off the Hornets late with 14 points, four assists and nine boards. Eric Bledsoe put forth a solid effort attacking the rim to end with 20 points. George Hill and Brook Lopez picked up some scoring slack too with 28 points combined.

Malik Monk came out like a firecracker in this game, stinging the Bucks throughout to the tune of 31 points. Devonte Graham was his usual scoring spree self, notching 19 points and Terry Rozier tacked on 13 as well.

Stat that Stood Out

Yet again, it was another game where the Bucks opponent kept it close solely by the power of some slick 3-point shooting. While the Hornets finished at 35.9% from deep, hitting four more than Milwaukee, the Bucks held them to only 37.2% overall from the field. That’s just 38.3% from two point land for Charlotte. Not great folks.