Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 116-103 win over Charlotte Hornets

Figuring it out eventually

As I’d written about on a couple of occasions in the build-up to this game, the whole nature of the NBA Europe contests means they generally aren’t the best of games from a basketball purist’s perspective.

That was certainly true of Milwaukee’s play on Friday, as Mike Budenholzer’s team took quite some time to resemble their usual exemplary standards on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.

Giannis Antetokounmpo struggling somewhat in the first half certainly contributed to that sense, but more widely there was just no real flow to the Bucks’ game and passing until the second half, and it took them a little bit of time to stamp out the Hornets’ early three-point barrage too.

Late in the third, a strong run from the Bucks’ bench mob seemed to recapture the Bucks’ usual spirit, though, and from there the starters kicked on in the first half.

In spite of a sluggish start, that fourth quarter showing ensured that the Paris fans were treated to the full Bucks experience, with big runs, and spells of dominance on both ends of the floor ultimately punctuating Milwaukee’s victory.

Heading home with a win in hand, it was a case of mission accomplished for the Bucks, and a perfect week in Paris for the NBA leaders.

The Bucks will return to action on Tuesday when they’ll host the Washington Wizards at Fiserv Forum.