Milwaukee BucksOpen full analysis
New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 139–118 on February 20 at Smoothie King Center, with the visitors' offensive firepower overwhelming a Pelicans squad that managed only 22 points in the fourth quarter. Bucks guards R. Rollins and C. Thomas each scored 27 points, anchoring Milwaukee's balanced attack, while Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 32 points and S. Bey added 22. Milwaukee's shooting efficiency proved decisive: the Bucks connected on 59.8 percent from the field and drained 15 three-pointers compared to New Orleans' 4, helping them surpass the 224.5-point Vegas total. The Pelicans' defensive rating of 132.5 points per 100 possessions reflected their inability to contain Milwaukee's spacing, particularly in a dominant second quarter where the Bucks outscored them 38–27. Both teams grabbed 37 rebounds and committed 13 turnovers, but Milwaukee's 28 assists to New Orleans' 22 illustrated superior ball movement. The Bucks' 132.5 offensive rating showcased their execution, while the Pelicans' fourth-quarter collapse—their worst of the game—underscored a late-game vulnerability that could prove costly in playoff positioning.
