In past years a triple double from Giannis Antetokounmpo was enough and advanced the Milwaukee Bucks to get the better of rebuilding teams like the Charlotte Hornets, but it’s now clear that we are no longer in years like this. In fact, it arrives in North Carolina ninth defeat in 13 games of the season of Antetokounmpo’s Bucks, defeated in the point-to-point final played at the Spectrum Center without Damian Lillard, still out with the after-effects of a concussion. Antetokounmpo tries to take his place by disguising himself as a point guard, finishing in double figures for assists already in the first half and setting up a triple double of 22 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists along with two blocks. Greek though he only goes to the line once in the entire match and despite a sensational dunk in the last two minutes of the game he had to bow out ahead of LaMelo Ball’s game finalewoken up from his torpor after three sleepy quarters in both halves of the pitch.
Diabaté keeps the Hornets upright, LaMelo goes up with shots in the final
LaMelo Ball scored half of his final 26 points in the final quarter alonechanging gear when approaching the basket and making a couple of top-class baskets, also going to earn the overtaking free throws with 7 seconds left precisely because of a foul by Antetokounmpo. The last possession ends up in the hands of Giannis after Pat Connaughton had scored 5 points in a row in the previous two, but the conclusion from medium distance widely recommended by the Hornets defense it is printed on the ironcondemning Milwaukee to yet another defeat in this very difficult start to the season. Guests don’t need them 23 points from Taurean Prince and 21 from the bench from Bobby Portiswhile for the hosts there are also 19 points from Miles Bridges, 15 from Josh Green and above all the double double by Moussa Diabatéwhich he puts together in less than 25 minutes 12 points, 14 rebounds (of which 10 in attack) and 3 blocksalmost single-handedly keeping the Hornets in the game for a good part of the match with the extra possessions gained. With this success Charlotte climbs back into the play-in zone with a record of 5-7, while Milwaukee remains in 12th place.
