The Milwaukee Bucks showed why they are championship contenders, demolishing the Charlotte Hornets 123-85 on Tuesday night. Led by standout performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis, the Bucks imposed their will on both ends of the court to earn their third straight win.
This lopsided victory highlighted Milwaukee’s stifling defense and efficient offense firing on all cylinders. Here are the key takeaways from the Bucks’ dominant performance over the Hornets.
Smothering Defense Sets the Tone
The Bucks have heard the criticism about their occasional defensive lapses this season. They issued a loud response against the Hornets, playing intense, focused defense to completely overwhelm Charlotte.
Milwaukee held the Hornets to just 85 points on 37.8% shooting overall and 28.6% from three-point range. This marked the third straight game the Bucks held their opponent under 100 points, showing their commitment to locking down on D.
“I think it starts with our transition. Just not giving up a lot of easy baskets. And once we take those away, playing against our set, half-court defense with our length has worked out really well for us,” said head coach Mike Budenholzer about his team’s defensive success.
The second quarter was when the Bucks defense went into overdrive. Milwaukee held Charlotte scoreless for nearly eight minutes, fueling a commanding 27-2 run. The Bucks allowed just 26 points in the first half overall, the second-fewest points they’ve given up in any half in franchise history.
With long, athletic defenders like Jrue Holiday, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brook Lopez, the Bucks can smother opponents when they are focused on that end. Their transition defense has also improved considerably, as Budenholzer noted, cutting down easy fast break opportunities.
Bobby Portis Leads Balanced Offense
While the defense fueled this dominant win, Milwaukee’s offense was also clicking on all cylinders. The Bucks shot 52.3% from the field and knocked down 18 three-pointers, spreading the ball around and taking advantage of great looks against Charlotte’s porous defense.
Bobby Portis led the way with 21 points on an efficient 9-12 shooting. 12 of those points came in the second quarter when he caught fire, helping the Bucks expand their lead.
Portis has now scored in double digits in eight straight games, providing consistent production off the Bucks bench. After the win, he emphasized how the team is focused on playing the right way.
“I think guys on this team are starting to figure it out. It’s not about how many points you score or how many shots you shoot,” Portis said. “We’re just trying to get wins and change the narrative for everybody talking. All the outside noise.”
Along with Portis, four other Bucks scored in double figures. Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a solid 19 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists, while Grayson Allen (17 points), Jrue Holiday (15 points) and Jevon Carter (10 points) all chipped in.
With so many weapons clicking offensively, the Bucks are difficult to contain. When their defense generates stops and outlets for transition opportunities, they become nearly impossible to keep up with.
Takeaways
The Bucks issued a reminder of why they are among the title favorites this season. Their defense locked in and dominated the Hornets, while offensively the team shared the ball and took advantage of great looks.
With their three top players in Antetokounmpo, Holiday and Middleton healthy and gelling, along with improved depth, the Bucks appear poised to go on an extended run. If they maintain this level of defensive intensity and efficient offensive execution, they will be very tough to beat.
This total destruction of the Hornets reinforced that Milwaukee is hitting their stride at the right time. Other contenders should take notice of the Bucks’ dominant two-way performance.
