The Charlotte Hornets walked off the floor last night with a familiar feeling — another game that slipped through their fingers with Giannis Antetokounmpo throwing down a game winning alley oop in the final seconds. In a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte once again showed its ongoing inability to close, despite holding a double-digit lead for much of the first half and controlling the tempo early.

For nearly two quarters, the Hornets looked comfortable. The ball moved, the shots fell, and Charlotte built an advantage by playing with pace and confidence. But as has been the case far too often this season, that early cushion slowly eroded.

Milwaukee began to lean into its physicality, tightened up defensively, and chipped away possession by possession until the game was within reach by halftime.

Charlotte’s frontcourt situation only made the task more difficult. Already thin inside missing Ryan Kalkbrenner and Mason Plumlee, the Hornets were without Moussa Diabate, forcing PJ Hall into the starting role at center.

Hall battled and competed, but the size disadvantage showed as the game wore on. Milwaukee punished Charlotte on the glass and in the paint, especially during critical stretches when stops were needed most.

The fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to fully pull away. Charlotte had chances — open looks, defensive possessions that could have swung momentum — but the execution never quite matched the moment. Missed rotations, rushed shots, and a lack of composure in key possessions allowed the Bucks to stay steady while the Hornets searched for answers.

This loss fits an uncomfortable trend. Charlotte has shown it can build leads and play quality basketball in stretches, even against elite opponents. The problem sometimes comes when games tighten. Closing time continues to be a hurdle, not because of effort, but because of execution and experience.

There’s growth happening along the way, but moral victories only go so far. Until the Hornets learn how to finish games they once controlled, nights like this will continue to sting — competitive, encouraging in spots, but ultimately another missed opportunity.

The Hornets won't have any time to reflect as they stay in the Midwest for a matchup with the Chicago Bulls tonight at United Center.