The Milwaukee Bucks fell 105-90 to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night at Spectrum Center, dropping their preseason record to one and two as head coach Taylor Jenkins evaluates early rotation issues, transition defense, and bench scoring depth. The defeat leaves Milwaukee looking for answers as they continue to refine their roster without several key contributors.
Charlotte Hornets Build Command Behind Brandon Miller and Naz Reid
Sunday night’s preseason matchup at Spectrum Center showcased a Hornets squad finding its rhythm despite missing several rotation players. Brandon Miller returned to the starting lineup after missing Charlotte’s opener due to a shin injury, matching the game’s high with 18 points, four assists, and three rebounds in 23 minutes. Miller injected energy into the home team’s up-tempo attack, scoring 11 of his points in a pivotal second quarter. Charlotte, still navigating life without LaMelo Ball—their most recognizable player since Alonzo Mourning—utilized a deep rotation as they continue to evaluate younger talent.
Reid added 16 points, two rebounds, and one assist with zero turnovers, while Diabaté neared a double-double, pulling down 11 rebounds alongside eight points, one steal, and two blocks. The Hornets racked up 29 assists on 39 made field goals, outscoring the Bucks 31-19 in the second quarter to build a cushion they would not relinquish. The win served as a rebound for the Hornets, who had previously suffered a 124-90 blowout loss to the Brooklyn Nets.
Tyler Herro and the Milwaukee Starters Sputter in Long-Range Shooting Slump
That momentum vanished when the Bucks hit a cold spell from beyond the arc, shooting just three for 17 from three-point range in the second quarter alone. The team struggled with ball handling throughout the first half, committing seven turnovers.
Herro finished with 18 points in 23 minutes to lead Milwaukee in scoring, matched by Miller on the opposing side. Yet the offensive stall allowed Charlotte to assemble a 13-to-zero run late in the first half, turning a tight contest into a 60-45 deficit by intermission. The Bucks’ offense remained unresponsive in the second half, failing to find success in the post or from long range.
Persistent Vulnerabilities in Transition Defense and Rebounding
Head coach Taylor Jenkins faces clear roster concerns as the preseason reaches its final stretch. The Bucks surrendered 18 offensive rebounds and 24 second-chance points to the Hornets. Jenkins noted the squad still has significant elements to address as he experiments with different rotations.
Transition defense is an even more pressing worry. Through three preseason games, Milwaukee is giving up an average of 21.3 fast-break points per contest, tying for number 26 across the league. In comparison, the Bucks allowed 15.5 fast-break points per game last season. Whether through misses, turnovers, or made baskets, the team has consistently been outscored in transition, including an 18-11 deficit against the Thunder and a 15-20 split versus Charlotte.
Bench Production Falls Short While Reserves Attempt Late Rally
Milwaukee’s bench unit combined for 34 points compared to 49 for the Hornets’ reserves. Nate Ament landed awkwardly against the Thunder, and while Jenkins stated his return status is unclear, the team is targeting the season opener for his return.
Jake Stephens connected on a late three-pointer, but it was too little, too late as the Hornets walked away with the win. The Hornets now look ahead to road games against the Celtics and Grizzlies, while the Bucks continue to evaluate their roster.