Hornets vs. Bucks Reaction: The good, the bad and the LaMelo Ball
Despite a valiant rally in the second half, the Hornets were undone by Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks on Tuesday, 114-104.
Trailing by 19 points midway through the third quarter, the Hornets fought back to close the lead down to as little as four points late in the fourth. However, Antetokounmpo’s 29 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists was the catalyst for visiting Milwaukee as they held off Charlotte late.
Devonte’ Graham poured in 25 points, 10 of those coming in a row for Charlotte in the third and fourth quarters, while Bridges had 21 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Washington had 18 and Wanamaker 13 in the loss.
The Good: Brad Wanamaker
Some kudos to an unsung contributor on Tuesday. When the Hornets traded for Brad Wanamaker at the deadline even after LaMelo Ball's injury, it's unlikely they expected him to play this much. Injuries to Malik Monk and Devonte' Graham paired with the Ball injury means he's been called into action a fair amount as a Hornet. Largely speaking, he's had a positive impact on the Hornets and was important on Tuesday. Off the bench, he went 5-of-9 from the field for 13 points with six assists in 25 minutes. With Ball and Monk due back in the coming week, Wanamaker's role will likely diminish. That shouldn't take away from how important he's been over the last three weeks.
The Bad: Terry Rozier
The injuries to Ball, Monk and Gordon Hayward have meant Terry Rozier is the first name on scouting reports for opposing teams against the Hornets and it's led to some rough nights recently. On Tuesday, he finished 4-of-17 from the field and 0-of-7 from the 3-point line. Down the stretch, he forced up a handful of poor shots in a situation he's been great in all season. It's not worth harping on his game too much as he's been great for the vast, vast majority of the year but he's a man who will certainly benefit from the returns of Ball and Monk.
LaMelo Ball: Inching closer
As Ball and Monk inch closer to a return, Borrego revealed pregame on Tuesday that the pair would take part in practice on Thursday and that would likely go a long way in determining when they may return.
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