Lillard scores 29 points as Bucks beat Hornets 112-102 to snap a 4-game losing streak

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Damian Lillard had 29 points and 12 assists, Bobby Portis had 23 points and 17 rebounds in his first game since Jan. 23 and the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Charlotte Hornets 112-102 on Wednesday night in their first game since trading longtime guard Khris Middleton.

Brook Lopez added 14 points on four 3s as the Bucks snapped a four-game losing skid.

Nick Smith Jr. had 23 points on four 3s for Charlotte, which has lost six straight.

The Bucks pushed their lead to 21 in the third quarter, repeatedly getting open looks from beyond the arc against a depleted Hornets roster.

Charlotte had no answers for Lillard, who finished 9 of 18 from the field and 8 of 9 from the foul line, while setting up teammates with open looks with penetration and kickouts.

Lillard was forced to carry the load for the Bucks, who played without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo went through pre-game warmups and was introduced before being scratched due to left calf soreness minutes before tipoff.