Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 25 points, handed out 18 assists, and grabbed seven rebounds in his return as the Milwaukee Bucks edged past former Milwaukee native Kon Knueppel and the Charlotte Hornets 147-134 in overtime Friday night in an NBA Cup matchup. Knueppel, the fourth overall pick in June’s draft, was born and raised in Milwaukee.
Nov 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) punts his fist following a Milwaukee Bucks score during the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The two teams traded wins in their mini home-and-away series, each contest also serving as the first game of a back-to-back. On Wednesday in Charlotte, with Giannis Antetokounmpo out due to left knee patellar tendinopathy, the Hornets defeated the Bucks 111-100.
Bucks spoiling Kon Knueppel’s homecoming
Nov 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots during the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Knueppel poured in a season-best 32 points during his NBA debut in his hometown. Selected fourth overall in the draft, he played last season at Duke after guiding undefeated Wisconsin Lutheran High School to the 2024 Wisconsin Division 2 championship.
MILWAUKEE NATIVE KON KNUEPPEL DROPPED A CAREER HIGH 32 POINTS 👀
The Hornets lost vs. the Bucks 147 to 134 in OT. pic.twitter.com/iuJlqbIdJv
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 15, 2025
The Milwaukee native sank two clutch three-pointers late in regulation to keep the Hornets alive, first tying the game at 125 with 1:34 remaining and then leveling it at 129 with just 21 seconds left after grabbing a rebound off a missed dunk by Miles Bridges. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who also committed seven turnovers, missed a final shot at the buzzer for Milwaukee, sending the game into overtime.
Before Friday’s game, Knueppel was putting up 16.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest while shooting 39.8 percent from the field. His performance has helped keep the Hornets competitive in the absence of star LaMelo Ball, who returned Friday after a five-game absence due to an ankle injury.
Nov 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) shoots against Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabaté (14) during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Kyle Kuzma continues his upward trend with the Bucks with 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Ryan Rollins chipped in 20 points and Myles Turner added 18.
Milwaukee moved to 8-5 overall while remaining undefeated at 2-0 in NBA Cup play. Charlotte fell to 4-8 overall and 0-2 in the in-season tournament. The Bucks’ victory also extended their all-time NBA Cup record to 10-0.