Charlotte Hornets at Milwaukee Bucks

Ball's career-high 50 points not enough as Antetokounmpo, Lillard lead Bucks past Hornets 125-119

Milwaukee opened the fourth quarter with a 14-5 spurt for a 110-90 lead, but the Hornets got it to 121-119 on Brandon Miller’s 3-pointer with 15 seconds left.

Taurean Prince answered with a pair of free throws for the Bucks to make it a two-possession game, and Charlotte missed a pair of 3-pointers on the ensuing possession. Antetokounmpo hit two free throws with 4.5 seconds left to make it 125-119.

LaMelo Ball had a career-high 50 points for the Hornets, and Brandon Miller added 32. Ball hit 17 of 38 shots, including 6 of 17 beyond the arc, and 10 of 13 free throws.

Milwaukee, which completed a 4-0 homestand, has won six of its last seven. The only loss in that span was a 115-114 loss to the Hornets on Nov. 16 following a controversial foul call.

Charlotte’s Grant Williams went to the locker room late in the fourth quarter with an apparent leg injury and did not return.

Takeaways Hornets: Charlotte has lost five of its last seven.

Bucks: Lillard, who did not play in the Bucks' last game against Charlotte, hit 9 of 21 shots, including 10 of 11 free throws.

Key moment Milwaukee hit four consecutive 3-pointers for a 12-3 run and a 96-83 lead late in the third quarter.

Key stat The Bucks were 18 of 37 from beyond the arc, matching their season high in 3-pointers made.

Up next The Hornets host the Orlando Magic on Monday, and the Bucks are at the Miami Heat in NBA Group Play on Tuesday.

Regular Season Series

Series tied 1-1