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Antetokounmpo powers Bucks past Hornets 103-94

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Giannis Antetokounmpo had 32 points and 14 rebounds, and the Milwaukee Bucks scored the final nine points in a 103-94 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night.

Antetokounmpo was 13 for 21 from the field and 6 for 8 at the line. He also had six assists and blocked two shots.

The 22-year-old Antetokounmpo has scored at least 30 points in each of his first four games. He had a career-high 44 points Saturday against Portland.

Khris Middleton added 20 points for Milwaukee, which played its third game in four days, all at home.

Charlotte, which missed its last seven shots after the score was tied at 94, was led by Frank Kaminsky's 18 points. Jeremy Lamb added 17 points, Kemba Walker had 15 and Dwight Howard grabbed 22 rebounds - three shy of the team record.

Antetokounmpo's two free throws gave Milwaukee a 96-94 lead with 1:34 left. Charlotte missed two 3-pointers on its next possession and Middleton made a 3 from the top of the arc with 43.5 seconds left.

Howard missed two foul shots with 33 seconds remaining to finish 0 for 9 from the line, but Charlotte caught a break when the rebound was tapped to Lamb. But he missed a shot after driving through the lane that was nearly blocked by Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo sank two more free throws, Walker shot an air ball from long range and Middleton capped the scoring with two free throws with 16.2 seconds left.

Antetokounmpo opened the fourth quarter with a free throw and added a jumper for an 86-77 lead with 10:29 to go.

The advantage was also nine following a floating shot by Middleton with 7:49 left. But Charlotte responded by scoring the next seven points, and shortly after tied the score at 94 on a 3-pointer by Kaminsky with 3:05 remaining.

TIP-INS

Hornets: Howard became the first Hornets player with three straight 15-plus rebound games since Al Jefferson in 2014.

Bucks: Milwaukee attempted just three free throws in the first half, compared to 22 for Charlotte. ... The Bucks' largest deficit was 25-15 late in the opening quarter.

UP NEXT

Hornets: Charlotte hosts Denver on Wednesday to begin a three-game homestand.

Bucks: Milwaukee hosts the Celtics after opening their season with a win in Boston.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo has his shot blocked by Charlotte Hornets' Dwight Howard during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, in Milwaukee. The Bucks defeated the Hornets 103-94. (AP Photo/Tom Lynn) The Associated Press
Charlotte Hornets' Dwight Howard battles with Milwaukee Bucks' Thon Maker under the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Tom Lynn) The Associated Press
Charlotte Hornets' Frank Kaminsky goes up for a dunk against Milwaukee Bucks' Thon Maker during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 23, 2017, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Tom Lynn) The Associated Press
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