The Milwaukee Bucks delivered a high-octane overtime victory against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, with Giannis Antetokounmpo making a triumphant return to the lineup and rookie sensation Kon Knueppel stealing the spotlight in his hometown debut. The Bucks outlasted the Hornets 147-134 in a game packed with drama, clutch shots, and a taste of NBA Cup intensity.
Giannis Back in Action, Bucks Bounce Back
After missing the previous game due to a knee issue,
Giannis Antetokounmpo returned in dominant fashion, racking up
25 points, 18 assists, and 7 rebounds. While he also committed seven turnovers, Giannis’ playmaking and relentless energy were crucial in pushing Milwaukee to an 8-5 record and a perfect 2-0 start in NBA Cup play.
Kyle Kuzma led the Bucks in scoring with
29 points and 10 rebounds, while Ryan Rollins chipped in 20 points. The Bucks’ offense was firing on all cylinders, especially in the second half and overtime, where they pulled away from a resilient Hornets squad.
Hometown Hero: Kon Knueppel’s Breakout Night
The night belonged to
Kon Knueppel, the Hornets’ rookie and former Milwaukee high school star, who erupted for a
season-high 32 points in his first NBA game back in his hometown. Knueppel, drafted fourth overall after a standout year at Duke, hit two massive three-pointers in the final minutes of regulation—one to tie the game at 125 with 1:34 left, and another to knot it at 129 with just 21 seconds remaining.
Knueppel’s late-game heroics forced overtime after Giannis missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer. The Bucks, however, took control in the extra period, outscoring Charlotte 18-5 to seal the win.
Other Standouts and Game Flow
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Miles Bridges matched Knueppel with 32 points for Charlotte, while
LaMelo Ball added 16 points and 10 assists.
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Moussa Diabate contributed a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Hornets.
- The teams traded leads throughout, with Charlotte taking a slim advantage into halftime before Milwaukee surged in the third quarter.
- The Bucks’ defense tightened in overtime, holding the Hornets to just five points in the extra frame.
NBA Cup Stakes and What’s Next
This matchup was part of the NBA’s new in-season tournament, the NBA Cup. With the win, Milwaukee remains undefeated in Cup play, while Charlotte drops to 0-2 in the tournament. The Bucks now look ahead to a marquee matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Hornets will try to regroup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Takeaways and Future Implications
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Giannis’ health remains a storyline to watch, but his return and performance are encouraging signs for Milwaukee fans.
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Kon Knueppel’s emergence as a clutch scorer adds a new dimension to the Hornets’ young core and gives Charlotte fans hope for the future.
- The NBA Cup format is already delivering high-stakes, playoff-like drama early in the season, raising the intensity for both players and fans.
If this game is any indication, the Bucks and Hornets could be must-watch TV every time they meet this season.
Sources
1. Charlotte Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Live Score and Stats
2. BetMGM Bonus Code: ACTIONGET1 to Bet $10, Get $150 if You Win
3. Charlotte Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks - NBA on NBC - YouTube
4. Social Media Posts for Wisconsin Lutheran College
5. Highlights: Bucks 147 - Hornets 134 | 11.14.25 - YouTube
