The Milwaukee Bucks struggled without Giannis Antetokounmpo on Wednesday night, falling 111-100 to the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Milwaukee couldn’t find a consistent rhythm on offense, while Charlotte capitalized behind Miles Bridges’ 20 points and rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner’s perfect 8-for-8 shooting for 17 points.
The Bucks leaned on Ryan Rollins and Myles Turner to keep the game close, as Rollins poured in 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting with four made threes. Turner contributed 21 points, but Kyle Kuzma had a tough night, managing just eight points on 3-of-12 shooting, well below his usual output.
Nov 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) shoots against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Collin Sexton and rookie Kon Knueppel chipped in 16 points apiece as the Hornets grabbed an early lead and never looked back, seizing control with just under four minutes left in the first quarter. Charlotte went into halftime up 59-50 and held firm the rest of the way with steady scoring and relentless defense.
Charlotte controlled the glass, outrebounding Milwaukee 50-34, and capitalized at the line by hitting 23 of 27 free throws compared to the Bucks’ 8-for-13. Even without LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, the Hornets stuck to a sharp, disciplined game plan that took full advantage of the Bucks’ short-handed roster.
The Bucks succumb to the Hornets
Nov 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) goes to the basket against Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The Hornets’ defense disrupted Milwaukee’s rhythm all night, forcing turnovers and dominating inside. Charlotte consistently turned the Bucks’ errors into points, helping them sustain control throughout the second half and secure a comfortable win.
The Bucks had a rough start to the second half, allowing a 13-6 Hornets surge to open the third quarter. Kyle Kuzma’s missed layups in transition and in set plays only made matters worse. Charlotte kept attacking a sluggish Milwaukee defense and pushed its advantage to 19 midway through the frame.
Nov 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) on defense against Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Milwaukee shifted to a zone look to try and slow the momentum, which forced a few missed shots and helped them get out in transition for a 9-0 run that trimmed the gap to 10. Still, Milwaukee couldn’t take full control, failing to convert key chances as the Hornets held an 83-72 cushion going into the final quarter.
The Hornets move to 4-7 after the victory, while the Bucks drop to 7-5. The two teams will meet again on Friday in Milwaukee, where Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be back in action.