‣ The Charlotte Hornets scored a season-low 26 points in the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks, marking the lowest number of points by any team in a first half since the Chicago Bulls in 2017.
‣ The Bucks’ 38-point victory over the Hornets was their most lopsided win of the season, showcasing their defensive improvement and confidence under coach Doc Rivers.
‣ Milwaukee has significantly enhanced its defensive performance, allowing fewer than 100 points in four of their last seven games, a stark contrast to their performance in the first 52 games of the season.
The #Hornets scored 26 points in the 1st half tonight vs. the Bucks — that's the lowest number by any team in a 1st half since the Bulls in 2017 😳
— Basketball Reference (@bball_ref)
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Oh man, what a night for the Charlotte Hornets. They only managed to score a paltry 26 points in the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks. And yeah, that’s a season-low for them. Just last week, they were struggling too, barely hitting 29 points in the first half against the Golden State Warriors.
Tre Mann was the top scorer for the Hornets in those dismal two quarters, with just seven points. Talk about a tough night.
By halftime, the scoreboard was just brutal – Charlotte trailing 58-26. It’s been ages since any team scored that low in a first half. We’re talking since the Chicago Bulls managed just 26 points against Boston back on March 12, 2017. Yikes.
And get this, the Hornets have had some rough nights before. Like, franchise-low rough. They only scored 24 points in the first halves against Utah and Oklahoma City way back in 2013 and 2012. Their shooting was off too, hitting just 9-of-43 from the field and a dismal 3-of-20 from beyond the arc in the first half.
They did pick up a bit later, finishing with 30-of-81 from the floor and 11-of-40 from three-point range. But still, not their best night.
Now, the Hornets are gearing up to host the Bucks again this Thursday. Milwaukee’s been a bit shaky under Doc Rivers, sitting at 6-7, but they’re coming off their biggest win of the season.
Hornets’ coach, Steve Clifford, he’s noticed the Bucks are finding their groove. They’re playing with a newfound confidence and energy, he says. And it shows. This win was only second to the time they allowed just 25 points in the first half against the 76ers back in ’72.
Clifford’s got plans though. He’s talking about needing a better start, sticking to their game of ball movement and unselfish play. He believes that’s when they’ll shine.
But Clifford tipped his hat to the Bucks’ defense, and especially to Damian Lillard. That guy was on fire with his high pick-and-roll game. Clifford thinks that was the game-changer.
Under Doc Rivers, the Bucks have tightened up defensively. They’ve kept teams under 100 points in four of their last seven games. That’s a big deal considering they only managed that once in the first 52 games of the season.
Since the All-Star break, the Bucks are on a roll, winning three straight. They’re slowly climbing back with a 6-7 record under Rivers.
This Thursday, it’s round four for the Hornets and Bucks. Charlotte’s got home court advantage this time. Let’s see if they can turn things around.
