In a thrilling overtime showdown, the Milwaukee Bucks triumphed over the New Orleans Pelicans, overcoming a stunning 44-point display from Trey Murphy III to secure a 141-137 victory.
On Wednesday night in Milwaukee, Ryan Rollins emerged as a standout player for the Bucks, contributing 27 points to the team's success. Murphy's impressive performance included shooting 12 out of 19 from beyond the arc, marking a career-high for him. His 12 three-pointers tied him for the fifth-most in a single game in NBA history, a feat that places him in an elite group of shooters, just behind the record held by Klay Thompson, who hit 14 three-pointers in a game back on October 29, 2018.
The competition between these teams was intense, as they combined for an outstanding 45 successful three-point shots out of 93 attempts, with the Pelicans making 24 of their 46 attempts and the Bucks hitting 21 out of 47. Notably, Milwaukee achieved an impressive overall shooting percentage of 60.9%, their best for the season.
As overtime began, the Bucks quickly took control by scoring the first five points, starting with a driving layup by Rollins followed by a three-pointer from Myles Turner. Despite trailing 139-137, the Pelicans had a chance to reclaim the lead when Zion Williamson was called for an offensive foul, just moments before Saddiq Bey attempted a three-pointer that could have shifted the game's momentum, but it fell short with only 6.5 seconds left on the clock.
Kevin Porter Jr., returning from a six-game absence due to an oblique strain, sealed the game for Milwaukee by sinking two free throws with just 5.2 seconds remaining. He finished the night with 18 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. AJ Green also made significant contributions with 20 points, while for New Orleans, Bey scored 22 points and Williamson added 20 to the total.
In a critical moment earlier, Milwaukee seemed poised to take the lead with Turner's corner three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation, but a replay review revealed that his left heel was out of bounds prior to the shot, nullifying the basket.
This victory marked the Bucks' second consecutive win after they broke a five-game losing streak with a 131-115 victory against the Chicago Bulls the night before. However, it's worth noting that this season, Milwaukee has yet to achieve more than two wins in a row at any point.
The team continues to play without their two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been sidelined since January 23 due to a calf strain. As trade rumors swirl around Antetokounmpo, he watched the game from the bench, raising questions about his future with the team as the trade deadline approaches.
What do you think about the Bucks’ current performance without Antetokounmpo? Could they sustain this winning momentum, or do you believe they will struggle to find consistency? Share your thoughts!
