In a thrilling overtime showdown, the Milwaukee Bucks managed to emerge victorious against the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 141-137, despite an extraordinary 44-point performance from Trey Murphy III.
What You Need to Know
* Ryan Rollins shone brightly, contributing 27 points for the Bucks.
* The game featured an impressive display of three-point shooting from both teams, particularly from Murphy.
* Milwaukee's strong shooting percentage set a new season high.
* Both teams fought hard until the very end, showcasing their skills in a nail-biting finish.
Murphy's performance was nothing short of spectacular; he achieved a career-best 44 points while hitting 12 out of 19 attempts from beyond the arc. This remarkable feat tied him for the fifth-highest number of three-pointers made in a single game in NBA history, while Klay Thompson still holds the record with 14 three-pointers scored during a game against Chicago on October 29, 2018.
The teams collectively shot 45 out of 93 from three-point range—New Orleans converted 24 out of 46, whereas Milwaukee managed 21 out of 47 attempts. Notably, the Bucks also posted their best overall shooting percentage of the season at an impressive 60.9%.
Milwaukee took control in overtime by scoring the first five points, with Rollins making a driving layup followed by a three-pointer from Myles Turner. With just seconds left, the Pelicans found themselves trailing 139-137 when Zion Williamson was penalized for an offensive foul, nullifying Saddiq Bey's potential go-ahead three-pointer.
In the closing moments, Kevin Porter Jr. secured the win for the Bucks by sinking two free throws with only 5.2 seconds on the clock. Porter finished the game with 18 points, nine assists, and six rebounds after returning from a six-game absence due to an oblique strain. AJ Green also contributed significantly with 20 points for Milwaukee. On the Pelicans' side, Bey scored 22 points while Williamson added 20 of his own.
At one point, it seemed like the Bucks had taken the lead with a crucial three-pointer from Myles Turner in the corner, but a replay review revealed that his left heel was out of bounds before the shot was taken, keeping the score tied as the clock wound down in the fourth quarter.
This victory marked the second consecutive win for Milwaukee, who had recently broken a five-game losing streak with a decisive 131-115 triumph over Chicago the night before. However, the Bucks have yet to achieve more than two wins in a row throughout this season.
It's worth noting that two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo remains sidelined, having not played since suffering a right calf strain on January 23. As trade rumors swirl around him, Antetokounmpo watched the game from the bench, just a day prior to the trade deadline.
Looking Ahead
Pelicans: They will be traveling to Minnesota for their next game on Friday.
Bucks: Milwaukee will be hosting Indiana on Friday.
