Nate Ament scores 23 as Bucks close runs with late surge to beat Hornets 110-91 in Summer League

Milwaukee’s first Summer League win came in a game defined by momentum swings, with Charlotte’s Hannes Steinbach posting a big double-double effort in the loss.

By The Apex Times Newsroom2 min readAI-assisted Apex article

The Milwaukee Bucks picked up their first Summer League victory with a 110-91 win over the Charlotte Hornets, closing the game with enough control down the stretch to turn a loose contest into a rout. Milwaukee’s offense came early and pushed the lead out quickly, then the rhythm slipped, allowing Charlotte to hang around for stretches. Ultimately, the Bucks regained the separation and kept it there long enough to finish in blowout territory.

Nate Ament was the engine for Milwaukee, scoring 23 points to lead the team. His scoring output anchored a Bucks attack that was built around runs. According to the recap, Milwaukee looked sharp at the start, then saw that advantage “blow” into a more complicated middle, before using another shift in production to pull away again as the game progressed.

Charlotte countered with a standout interior and rebounding performance from Hannes Steinbach. Steinbach totaled 27 points and 15 rebounds, a double-double line that served as the clearest through-line for the Hornets despite the 19-point final margin. His production highlights the effort level Charlotte was able to sustain, even when Milwaukee’s defensive and offensive momentum improved late.

The pace and feel of the game also reflected the nature of Summer League, where rotations and availability can change from night to night. One notable detail from the recap: Brayden Burries did not play for Milwaukee. That matters mainly in terms of how the Bucks’ scoring distribution ended up shaping itself, with Milwaukee leaning on the players who were available, including Ament’s scoring burden.

For Milwaukee, the win is more than just a number in the Summer League column. Early-season development games are often about identifying who can create consistent offense and who can help stabilize stretches when a lead starts to slip. This game provided an example of both sides of that equation, with the Bucks building a lead, losing it temporarily, and then restoring control to reach a comfortable final score.

For Charlotte, the loss still includes a positive individual performance to build around. Steinbach’s 27-point, 15-rebound effort gives the Hornets something concrete to evaluate in a setting where coaches are trying to separate potential from purely situational production. It also underscores that, while the final margin was decisive, Charlotte had at least one clear game plan working through the post and on the glass.

What to watch next is whether Milwaukee can translate this kind of late-game response into steadier execution across the rest of Summer League. Likewise, Charlotte will likely look for similar production from Steinbach while working on limiting the kinds of momentum swings that can turn a close game into a 20-point deficit quickly.

Why It Matters

Milwaukee’s first Summer League win adds a confidence-building reference point for how the team responds after momentum shifts.
Ament’s 23-point performance provides a clear scoring identity to evaluate as rotations continue.
Steinbach’s 27-point, 15-rebound double-double shows Charlotte has an inside-and-rebounding anchor capable of carrying stretches.
The large final margin suggests Milwaukee was able to convert late-game opportunities efficiently once it reclaimed control.

Sources

Key Facts

The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Charlotte Hornets 110-91 in Summer League.
Nate Ament led Milwaukee with 23 points.
Charlotte’s Hannes Steinbach recorded 27 points and 15 rebounds.
The recap described Milwaukee as building a big early lead, losing it at points, then regaining control down the stretch.
Brayden Burries did not play for Milwaukee in the game.