Charlotte Hornets outlast the Milwaukee Bucks, 111-106
The Charlotte Hornets did just enough at home to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks on the second night of a back to back.
The Charlotte Hornets (12-21) were able to beat the Milwaukee Bucks (17-14) as they snapped their two-game losing streak. Charlotte was able to overcome a 31-point game from Khris Middleton as Dwight Howard grabbed yet another big double-double. The Queen City team may have gotten a bit lucky as the Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Cody Zeller missed his ninth straight game as he continues to recover from surgery on a torn meniscus. After missing the past two games with back spasms, Treveon Graham returned to the Hornets’ rotation. Malik Monk only played one minute before leaving the game to get his left pinky finger taped.
Game Story
After being down 18 points in the third quarter, Charlotte went on a 21-6 run to get back into the game. Treveon Graham scored eight of his 14 points in the third period and was a big role in the Hornets’ comeback. The home team ended up outscoring Milwaukee 30-21 in the fourth to secure the win as they hit some clutch shots down the stretch. This game featured 14 lead changes and eight ties.
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Player of the Game
Dwight Howard finished the game with a team-high 21 points and 16 rebounds on 7-11 shooting from the field. The eight-time all-star recorded his 18th double-double of the season and scored over 20 points for the 13th time this year. Despite being questionable with a dislocated finger suffered in the last game, Howard managed to play 32 minutes.
Kemba Walker added 19 points and eight assists while Frank Kaminsky had 14 points off of the bench. Treveon Graham was a spark plug for the team as he scored 14 points and helped lead the second unit. Jeremy Lamb (13) and Nicolas Batum (12) rounded out the Hornets’ double-digit scorers.
The Bucks were led by Khris Middleton who scored 31 points. He averaged 30.5 PPG versus Charlotte this season. Eric Bledsoe and John Henson each chipped in with 16 points while Sean Kilpatrick and Tony Snell both scored 11. Malcolm Brogdon put up 10 points off of the bench for Milwaukee.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
the hornets won a close game in 2017 people
— Laieke Abebe (@StrikaNation24_) December 24, 2017
"Quick Stings"
- Treveon scored a career-high 14 points.
- Graham also made a career-high four three’s.
- Charlotte ou-rebounded Milwaukee, 43-35.
- The Hornets’ bench outscored the Bucks’ second unit, 51-28.
- Charlotte recorded seven blocks as a team.
With the win, Charlotte improves to 2-2 against Milwaukee this year. This was the fourth and final meeting between the two sides as they split their season series with each team winning both of their home games.
Next: Rumor: Hornets could look to trade Batum or MKG
In their next outing, the Hornets will host the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, December 27th. It will be their final home game before a four-game west coast road trip. Charlotte will look to string together a couple wins before the new year.