Charlotte, North Carolina, Jan. 11 (BUS): Lamelo Paul got the green light with 15 seconds left, Terry Rosier scored 27 points and the Charlotte Hornets beat the NBA champions Milwaukee Bucks for the second time in three nights, 103-99 Monday night.
Paul scored 18 of 23 points in the second half and Miles Bridges added 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Hornets, who won six of their eight games and improved to 12-5 at home.
Chris Middleton scored 27 points and made 11 assists, Giannis Antetokonmo added 26 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for the Bucks, who also lost 114-106 against the Hornets on Saturday night.
The Bucks fought 15 down in the third quarter to equalize when Antetokounmpo hit a drive-through across the fairway 38.8 seconds before the left and fouled. He missed the free throw, but Wesley Matthews got a tip to hook it up.
The ball took control as he walked across the fairway, sweeping the ball over his head before firing an unbalanced 10-foot runner to give the Hornets (22-19) the lead.
The Bucks (26-17) transferred the ball to the next possession. Antetokounmpo led the pass and tried to shoot Pat Connaughton into the corner but instead threw the ball over his head and out of the bounds with 3.3 seconds left.
Jusoor then made two free throws to secure the victory for Charlotte.
The Bucks took a 48-47 lead at the break as the teams combined to shoot 38% from the ground in the first half.
The Hornets came out of the hot break, 15 points behind 16 points for the third quarter, including 3 glass from the wing and a 3-step over key from a quick break.
Rozier was 4 of 11 out of a 3-point span, marking the seventh time in his last eight games that he has made at least four seconds. He shoots 47.6% (40 of 84) from long distance during this stretch.
Hint INS
Bucks: Connaughton is back in Milwaukee, but Grayson Allen and George Hill have stayed on health and safety protocols. Connaughton struggled, missing all six of his shot attempts including five from long distance.
Hornets: I played without top protected Kelly Ober Jr., who entered the league’s health and safety protocols on Monday. Obre averaged 25 points over his last two games.
next one
Bucks: Host the Golden State Thursday night.
Hornets: In Philadelphia on Wednesday night.