The Bucks continued to build momentum with Antetokounmpo leading the way, defeating Charlotte for a rare second straight win after weeks of inconsistency.
The Bucks continue to reverse their season results, picking up their third road win in the last four games, already accounting for half of their six total away victories this season.
Milwaukee flew past the Hornets 123–113 in Charlotte on Monday.
In Antetokounmpo’s second game back, the Bucks earned their first back-to-back wins since October.
Antetokounmpo has made it a personal goal to be the difference-maker for the Bucks. Milwaukee sat at 12–19 before his return from a calf injury, with the season drifting into dire territory.
Antetokounmpo, while still in a minutes restriction, has posted exactly 25 minutes in the last two games, down from his average of 34 per game last season.
Antetokounmpo's Impact
Antetokounmpo has never dealt with serious injuries over the course of his 13-year career.
Despite the calf strain, Antetokounmpo has scored 29 and 24 points in his limited return outings.
His return has been a huge boost for Rivers’ squad, which had been dry of All-Star-level scoring.
The guard duo of Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins has led the way, averaging 19.1 and 17.2 points per game.
Against the Hornets, Bobby Portis and Myles Turner led the supporting cast with 25 and 23 points, trailing only Antetokounmpo’s 24.
With Antetokounmpo back, the Bucks have a much more competitive look on the court at all times.
Hornets Struggles
Despite being outrebounded 47 to 31, the Bucks outshot the Hornets in every area of the court.
The Bucks shot 52% from the field, a whopping 47% from behind the arc and 86% from the charity stripe. Compare that to Charlotte’s 43%, 38% and 80%, and you see where the 10-point win came from.
The 11-21 Hornets, without starters Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner, lost an additional starter, Miles Bridges, seven minutes in, to an ankle injury.
Their two remaining starters, Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball, combined for 57 points but made just 18 of their 45 shots.
With the win, it seems as if Antetokounmpo has finally brought the Bucks over the hump and back into contention.
Antetokounmpo, even in a minutes restriction, looks as explosive as ever and wants to win more than ever.
Although the Bucks slipped in the rankings with Antetokounmpo out, it may have inspired them to fight harder than ever to climb back up.
The Bucks host the 7-24 Washington Wizards on Wednesday as they look to turn a two-game run into a legit win streak.