LaMelo Ball poured in a career-best 50 points, but the Charlotte Hornets fell short against the Milwaukee Bucks, losing 125-119 at the Fiserv Forum on Saturday night.
Despite Ball’s electrifying performance, which included 40 points in the second half, the Bucks extended their winning streak to four games behind stellar outings from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Bucks’ Balanced Attack
Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while Lillard added 31 points, including a pivotal four-point play in the third quarter. The Bucks’ 3-point shooting also proved crucial, as they connected on 18 of 37 attempts from beyond the arc.
Ball’s Record-Breaking Night
Ball overcame a slow start—scoring just three points in the first quarter—to dominate after halftime. He shattered his previous career high of 38 points, finishing with 50 points and 10 assists.
Teammate Brandon Miller contributed 32 points and 11 rebounds. The duo combined for all 34 of Charlotte’s points in the fourth quarter, nearly erasing a 20-point deficit.
Game Recap
- First Half: Milwaukee opened with an 8-0 run, with Antetokounmpo hitting all five of his shots in the first quarter. The Hornets recovered to tie the score at 28-28 by the end of the period.
- The Bucks took control in the second quarter, with Lillard scoring 11 points and assisting on a Gary Trent Jr. 3-pointer just before halftime, giving Milwaukee a 59-51 lead.
- Second Half: Ball exploded for 22 points in the third quarter, hitting 8 of 12 shots, including 4 of 7 from 3-point range. Despite his efforts, Milwaukee maintained their lead, with AJ Green’s 3-pointer pushing the Bucks’ advantage to 13 by the end of the third.
- Milwaukee opened the fourth quarter on a 14-5 run, building a 110-90 lead. Ball and Miller’s late-game surge brought the Hornets within striking distance, but the Bucks held firm.
Looking Ahead
The Bucks, now riding a four-game win streak, continue to showcase their championship aspirations with strong performances from their star duo of Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Meanwhile, the Hornets can find solace in Ball’s record-setting game as they look to build on the promising chemistry between Ball and Miller.