Bucks Vs Pelicans: Game Recap — bucks vs pelicans ends 139-118
The Bucks defeated the Pelicans, 139-118, in a high-scoring outing that featured a big night from a former LSU star and several standout individual performances. The result moves the Bucks to 24-30 while the Pelicans fall to 15-42, a shift that matters for both teams' records going forward.
Bucks Vs Pelicans: momentum and key shooting
The Bucks shot 59. 8% in the game, well above their season mark of 48. 1%, an offensive surge that helped build and sustain their lead. Milwaukee led by as many as the second-half margin indicated and carried the scoring edge through the fourth quarter. New Orleans started quickly and led after the first period, but the Bucks produced multiple scoring runs that flipped momentum back in their favor.
Standout performances and stat lines
Ryan Rollins led the Bucks with 27 points, including a career-high seven three-pointers, and added six assists, four steals and two blocks. Kevin Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas combined for 52 points for Milwaukee. The Pelicans were led by Zion Williamson, who scored 32 points on 13-of-17 shooting.
How the game unfolded
New Orleans got a quick start with easy rim looks and led 38-33 after one. Rollins kept Milwaukee in the game early with long-range shots, and the Bucks answered a New Orleans run with a 5-0 spurt that included a putback slam from Bobby Portis. The Pelicans countered with a 7-0 sequence capped by a Jordan Poole three, but Milwaukee regained control over the middle periods.
Cam Thomas did not score in the opening frame but opened the second quarter with a three and an and-one, then poured in 16 consecutive points for Milwaukee in under six minutes. The teams combined for a loose middle portion of play with turnovers in the open court; the visitors led 71-65 at halftime. Milwaukee held a 103-96 advantage after three, and Thomas opened the fourth to reach 27 points before the Bucks closed the game out.
Key takeaways
- Bucks win 139-118; record moves to 24-30.
- Pelicans fall to 15-42; Zion Williamson scored 32 on 13/17 shooting.
- Milwaukee shot 59. 8% in the game and finished a perfect home stand with a 3-0 record.
Milwaukee also claimed both games of a back-to-back for the first time this season and ended a five-game losing streak against a short-handed opponent. Those observable indicators—the hot team shooting, the multiple high-scoring individual efforts, and recent streak-breaking results—frame the immediate picture for both clubs.
What to watch next
If the Bucks can sustain shooting efficiency closer to the 59. 8% mark shown in this game, their offensive output could continue to carry them in upcoming matchups. For New Orleans, the strong shooting efficiency from Zion Williamson stands out, but the Pelicans will need to tighten defense and limit opponents' perimeter accuracy to alter outcomes. Specific upcoming schedules and roster details are not provided here and remain not publicly confirmed in this recap.
