Hornets’ 105-90 preseason win over Bucks highlights Milwaukee’s early-season struggles

The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 105-90 in a preseason game on Monday, delivering an early snapshot of where both teams stand as training-camp work starts to turn into rotation decisions. The Bucks fell to 1-2 in the preseason after a sluggish outing in Charlotte, a result that leaves Milwaukee looking for sharper execution on both ends before the regular season begins.

Milwaukee’s scoring was led by Tyler Herro, who finished with 18 points in 23 minutes. Ryan Rollins added 12 points in 23 minutes, and Kyle Kuzma contributed another 12 in 22 minutes, giving the Bucks three consistent options offensively even as the offense stalled at stretches.

Charlotte’s scoring impact in the preview centered on Brandon Miller, who was listed as day-to-day before the game and still produced 18 points in 23 minutes. His production stood out in a contest where the Hornets were able to keep Milwaukee from settling into a comfortable rhythm, particularly in transition and early possessions.

The Bucks’ game plan also appeared shaped by personnel availability. Per the recap, Brayden Burries, Nate Ament, Ousmane Dieng, and Kasparas Jakucionis were inactive, and the team also had new acquisition Johni Broome listed as inactive for the contest. With multiple rotation pieces held out, Milwaukee’s scoring distribution depended heavily on the players who did take the floor.

One of the most instructive takeaways from preseason games like this is how teams manage continuity. For the Bucks, the 1-2 preseason mark after this loss suggests more work remains to connect lineups, especially when key additions or depth options are not available. For Charlotte, the ability to separate and maintain a cushion in a 105-point showing indicates that its half-court organization and shot selection can translate beyond scrimmage-level play.

As preseason continues, the storyline for Milwaukee is whether its offensive output can rise without relying on a small set of scorers. For Charlotte, the focus will be on turning a single-game success into repeatable performances, particularly as rosters firm up and coaching staffs tighten rotations.