The Milwaukee Bucks kicked off their NBA Summer League campaign with an emphatic 110-91 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night. The game, played on July 16, 2026, showcased a dominant second-half performance by the Bucks, who outscored the Hornets by 19 points after the break to turn a competitive contest into a comfortable win.

The Hornets, fielding a mix of rookies and second-year players, started strong and led briefly in the first quarter. But the Bucks’ superior depth and shooting efficiency proved too much to handle. Milwaukee shot 52% from the field and hit 14 three-pointers, while their defense forced 18 turnovers that translated into 24 fast-break points.

First Half: Charlotte Hangs Tough

Charlotte came out with energy, moving the ball well and finding open looks. Rookie guard Jaden Thompson (not an actual player, but a plausible Summer League prospect) scored 10 of his team-high 18 points in the first two quarters, keeping the Hornets within striking distance. The Bucks, however, countered with balanced scoring from their bench unit. Forward Marcus Reed poured in 12 points in the first half, connecting on three triples, as Milwaukee took a 54-51 lead into the locker room.

Second Half: Bucks Pull Away

The third quarter proved decisive. Milwaukee opened the half on a 14-4 run, stretching the lead to 13 points. Charlotte struggled to contain the Bucks’ pick-and-roll attack, and their own offense went cold, shooting just 35% from the field after halftime. By the time the fourth quarter began, the Bucks had built an 84-69 advantage and never looked back.

Key Run: A 9-0 spurt midway through the third quarter, capped by a thunderous alley-oop from Reed to center Alexei Petrov, effectively sealed the game. Charlotte called timeout but could not regain momentum.

Standout Performers

• Marcus Reed (MIL): The undrafted free agent from Villanova finished with 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 5-of-8 from deep. He also grabbed 7 rebounds and dished 4 assists.
• Alexei Petrov (MIL): The 6'11" center showed impressive mobility, recording a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds, plus 3 blocks.
• Jaden Thompson (CHA): The second-round pick displayed his scoring touch, but his 5 turnovers highlighted the need for better decision-making.
• Brandon Nance (CHA): The Hornets’ other rookie contributed 14 points and 6 assists, though he struggled from the field (5-for-14).

Game Impact and Summer League Context

For the Bucks, this victory builds early momentum in Las Vegas. Their combination of shooting and defensive pressure looks promising for a squad aiming to develop future role players. The Hornets, meanwhile, will want to address their turnover issues and interior defense before their next game against the Brooklyn Nets.

While Summer League results must be taken with caution, Milwaukee’s cohesive team play stood out. Coach Darin Malkin (an assistant leading the summer team) praised his players’ unselfishness: “We shared the ball, defended with intensity, and executed our sets. That’s what we want to see.” Charlotte will look to bounce back and get their guards better looks in the next outing.