Balanced Bucks complete season sweep of Hornets

Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 24 points and the Milwaukee Bucks had another convincing victory against the Charlotte Hornets, posting a 111-99 road win Thursday night in the second meeting between the teams in three nights.

The Bucks shot 45.3 percent from the floor and drained 16 total 3-pointers. They also made 16 3s in Tuesday night's rout of the Hornets.

Antetokounmpo, who shot 10-for-15 from the field, added 10 rebounds and five assists Thursday. The Bucks scored 18 points off 13 Charlotte turnovers and were 17-for-20 on free throws.

Malik Beasley provided 19 points, Damian Lillard notched 17 points, reserve Bobby Portis had 14 points and Pat Connaughton and Brook Lopez each had 11 points as the Bucks improved to 4-0 since the All-Star break. The team continues to gain traction under new coach Doc Rivers.

Brandon Miller racked up 21 points for Charlotte, but it came on 8-for-21 shooting. Grant Williams had 17 points, Miles Bridges posted 15 points and 10 rebounds and Seth Curry supplied 13 points.

After posting 35 points in each of the first two quarters, the Bucks cooled off a bit and led 92-74 going to the fourth.

The Hornets finally got after it on the boards in the second half, helping them avoid a full-fledged blowout. They drew within 10 points with 1:18 left, but Patrick Beverley scored for Milwaukee to put it to bed.

Charlotte relied heavily on perimeter shooting, but made just 12 of 39 attempts from 3-point range (30.8 percent). Seven different players made at least one 3-pointer for the Hornets.

The Bucks jumped out to a 13-4 lead, led 35-25 after one quarter and never seemed seriously threatened.

Antetokounmpo had 19 points by halftime, with Milwaukee leading 70-51.

The Bucks defeated Charlotte for the fourth time this season, though the other three results came by an average margin of 35 points.

Charlotte had a three-game homecourt winning streak snapped in its first home game since the All-Star break.

—Field Level Media