New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
Milwaukee BucksOpen full analysis
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 141–137 on February 4 at Fiserv Forum in a closely contested matchup that stayed below the Vegas total of 223.5 points. R. Rollins led Milwaukee with 27 points while A. Green added 20, as the Bucks shot 60.9 percent from the field and made 21 three-pointers to overcome New Orleans' balanced attack. T. Murphy III paced the Pelicans with 44 points and S. Bey contributed 22, but New Orleans shot just 47.9 percent and committed only 8 turnovers compared to Milwaukee's 14. The Bucks controlled the third quarter with 36 points and held a decisive advantage in the final frame, outscoring New Orleans 29–24 in the fourth to secure the win. Milwaukee's offensive rating of 135.1 and defensive rating of 129.5 proved marginally superior to the Pelicans' 129.5 and 135.1 respectively, with the home team's 43 rebounds and 36 assists providing the edge down the stretch. The Bucks' efficiency and three-point volume proved decisive despite Murphy's explosive performance, keeping Milwaukee competitive in the Eastern Conference race.
