Milwaukee Bucks: Player grades from 113-112 win over Charlotte Hornets

The Milwaukee Bucks just came away with the win from their nail-biting season opener against the Charlotte Hornets, but how did the players grade individually?

The Milwaukee Bucks began the Mike Budenholzer era with a win, although it was probably a little more difficult than they imagined after the first half of play.

In the first half, the Bucks’ offense was clicking as it had all preseason, as they got off to a fast start and led 36-23 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, Milwaukee was able to stretch their lead out to as much as 20, but the Hornets were able to keep pace with the Bucks and kept the game within reach heading into halftime.

After the break, Charlotte began to creep back into the game, as the Bucks struggled to generate the same types of looks they were getting in the first half, largely due to the foul trouble of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Hornets managed to cut the lead to 10 as the fourth quarter started.

More from Bucks News

• Bucks 2023-24 player profile: Can MarJon Beauchamp take a leap?
• Piecing together the Milwaukee Bucks’ dream starting 5 in 5 years
• Predicting Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s 2023-24 stats for the Bucks
• Grade the trade: Bucks land reputable backup guard in swap with Pacers
• New workout video should have Milwaukee Bucks fans excited

In the fourth, Giannis was not able to play with his usual aggressiveness, and eventually picked up his fifth foul.

After their best player was taken out, the Bucks’ offense went into full slog mode, reminiscent of the offense under the Coach-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

Unfortunately for the Bucks, the return of their superstar later in the period did not guarantee that the offense was able to produce again, as Charlotte took the lead with just 36 seconds left in the game.

However, on Milwaukee’s last offensive possession, Antetokounmpo was able to draw a foul and knock down two free throws for the lead. After a missed layup by Walker, Hornets’ wing Nic Batum had an open look to win the game, but his shot barely grazed iron.

Although it was nice to open this season with a win, the blown lead and stark contrast between halves should be cause for at least some concern early in the season.

Now, let’s grade the performances of each Buck that saw the floor tonight, coach Mike Budenholzer, and their opponent the Charlotte Hornets.