Giannis Shines as Bucks Edge Hornets 147-134 in Overtime

UPDATE: Giannis Antetokounmpo returned with a stellar performance, scoring 25 points and delivering 18 assists as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Charlotte Hornets 147-134 in an overtime thriller on November 14, 2025. This NBA Cup matchup was a must-watch for fans as both teams battled fiercely to secure a crucial victory.

The Bucks and Hornets split their two-game series, with Milwaukee bouncing back after losing 111-100 in Charlotte just days earlier, during which Antetokounmpo was sidelined due to patellar tendinopathy in his left knee. His return was nothing short of impactful, proving vital in the clutch moments of the game.

Former Milwaukee high school star Kon Knueppel shined in his hometown debut, scoring a season-high 32 points for Charlotte. Knueppel’s impressive performance included two critical late-game three-pointers, keeping the Hornets in contention. He first tied the game at 125 with just 1:34 remaining and then again at 129 with 21 seconds left, following a crucial rebound after a missed dunk by teammate Miles Bridges.

In a dramatic finish, Antetokounmpo had a chance to win the game for Milwaukee but shot an air-ball at the buzzer, leading to overtime. Despite the mishap, the Bucks maintained their composure, with Kyle Kuzma leading the team with 29 points and 10 rebounds. Ryan Rollins also contributed with 20 points.

For the Hornets, Miles Bridges matched Knueppel’s effort with 32 points, while LaMelo Ball added 16 points and 10 assists. Meanwhile, Moussa Diabate recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

In a poignant moment, Pat Connaughton returned to Milwaukee but struggled to make an impact, failing to score in 10 minutes of play after being traded to the Hornets in the offseason.

The Bucks improved to 8-5 overall and remain undefeated in NBA Cup play at 2-0. The Hornets, meanwhile, fell to 4-8 and are 0-2 in the in-season tournament.

Looking ahead, the Hornets will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night, while the Bucks prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers at home. Fans are eager to see how these teams will regroup after such a heated matchup.

This game not only showcased the talent of rising stars like Knueppel but also highlighted the relentless spirit of veterans like Antetokounmpo, making it a thrilling spectacle for basketball enthusiasts everywhere.