NEW ORLEANS – The Milwaukee Bucks continued their surge, securing a 139-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. The win marks the Bucks’ third consecutive victory and their sixth in the last seven games, improving their record to 24-30 on the season.
Playing without their injured superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, sidelined for four weeks with a strained right calf, the Bucks demonstrated impressive depth and offensive firepower. Ryan Rollins led the charge, delivering a career performance with seven three-pointers and a game-high 27 points. The performance from Rollins was a key factor in the Bucks pulling away in the fourth quarter.
Bucks newcomer Cam Thomas, a former LSU star, also made a significant impact, contributing 27 points in just 21 minutes off the bench. Kevin Porter added 25 points to the Bucks’ total. Rollins’ all-around game included six assists, four steals, and two blocks, showcasing his versatility and impact beyond scoring.
The Pelicans, playing the first game of a home back-to-back, were led by Zion Williamson, who scored 32 points. However, they were without their leading scorer, Trey Murphy, who sat out due to a sore right shoulder. The loss dropped New Orleans to a record of 15-42.
The first half saw a tight contest, with Rollins scoring 16 points to help Milwaukee take a 71-65 lead. Williamson responded with 21 points of his own in the half, keeping the Pelicans within striking distance. The Bucks extended their advantage to 103-96 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Pelicans briefly threatened a comeback, cutting the Bucks’ lead to 108-102 on a Williamson layup. However, Milwaukee responded with a decisive 14-4 run, fueled by two three-pointers and a layup from Pete Nance, effectively sealing the victory.
The Bucks’ victory comes on the heels of a win against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder before the All-Star break, signaling a potential turning point for the team. Despite Antetokounmpo’s absence, Milwaukee has demonstrated an ability to compete and win against quality opponents.
This game highlighted the Bucks’ ability to overcome adversity and find contributions from various players. Rollins’ emergence as a scoring threat, combined with the immediate impact of Thomas, provides Milwaukee with valuable offensive options while Antetokounmpo recovers. The team’s improved record reflects a growing confidence and a willingness to execute their game plan even without their star player.
Looking ahead, the Bucks will host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. The Pelicans will continue their homestand, hosting the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night. The Pelicans will need to find a way to generate more consistent offense without Murphy, while the Bucks will aim to build on their recent momentum and continue their climb in the Eastern Conference standings.
The high-scoring affair saw both teams shoot well, but the Bucks’ superior depth and late-game execution proved to be the difference. Milwaukee’s ability to adjust their strategy and capitalize on the Pelicans’ weaknesses ultimately led to a comfortable victory.
The win for Milwaukee is particularly encouraging given their struggles earlier in the season. The addition of Thomas and the development of players like Rollins are providing a spark that was missing for much of the year. If the Bucks can maintain this level of play, they could become a dangerous opponent in the second half of the season.
For the Pelicans, the loss is a disappointing one, especially considering Williamson’s strong performance. The team’s reliance on Williamson is evident, and they will need to find ways to generate more consistent scoring from other players if they hope to improve their record. The absence of Murphy is a significant blow, and his return to health will be crucial for the Pelicans’ success.
