It has been an up-and-down ride for theMilwaukee Bucks of late. On Wednesday night, Milwaukee failed to survive the absence of superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, as the Bucks fell prey to the Charlotte Hornets on the road, 111-100.
Antetokounmpo was ruled out for the Charlotte game with a knee issue, thus givingKyle Kuzmaa chance to start. Kuzma, however, could not capitalize on the opportunity, as he shot just 3-for-12 from the floor and missed both attempts from behind the arc before finishing with just eight points.
One positive takeaway for Milwaukee from that loss was the performance of rising guard Ryan Rollins, who stepped up amid Antetokounmpo’s absence.
Rollins put up a shiny performance in Bucks’ loss to Hornets
Nov 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Rollins (13) tries to drives to the basket against Hornets guard KJ Simpson (25) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Despite the loss to Charlotte, Rollins deserves credit for the way he played. The former Toledo Rockets star, who signed a three-year deal with the Bucks in the summer, was a big thorn in the side of the Hornets all night long. He collected 25 points to lead the Bucks, shooting 10-for-15 from the field, while adding six assists and five rebounds. He also hit four of his six attempts from deep in 32 minutes of action.
With or without Antetokounmpo, Rollins has always found a way to make a positive impact on Milwaukee. On the season, Rollins is second on the team in scoring average with 17.3 points on a 52.7 field goal percentage
Milwaukee slid down to 7-5 after the loss to the Hornets, but the Bucks can get back at Charlotte as soon as this Friday, as they take their turn to host Miles Bridges and company at Fiserv Forum.
Nov 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Rollins (13) shoots a free throw during the second half against the Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
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