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The Milwaukee Bucks overcame a determined Charlotte Hornets squad, missing rising star Kon Knueppel due to injury, to secure a 123-113 victory. The win marked Milwaukee’s second consecutive triumph since Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return and ended Charlotte’s two-game winning streak.

The first three quarters featured a back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to pull away. Bucks center Myles Turner energized Milwaukee in the third period, helping the team take a six-point lead into the final quarter. In the fourth, Bobby Portis carried the Bucks’ offense, extending their lead to double digits. Despite a late rally led by LaMelo Ball, Giannis stepped up in the closing minutes, hitting key baskets to seal the win.

Milwaukee’s offense was well-distributed, with five players scoring in double figures. Giannis finished with 24 points and 7 assists, including 11 points and 3 assists in the fourth quarter, while Portis led all Bucks scorers with 25 points, 11 of which came in the final period.

For Charlotte, Brandon Miller led all scorers with 31 points, while Ball added 26 points and 7 assists in the loss.

The Bucks will host the Washington Wizards on January 1, 2026, while the Hornets will face the Golden State Warriors at home on the same date.