**LaMelo Ball Shines in Hornets' Nail-Biting Victory Over Bucks**

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a thrilling showdown, LaMelo Ball scored 19 of his 26 points in the second half, leading the Charlotte Hornets to a narrow 115-114 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo notching his first triple-double of the season, the Bucks fell short as his potential game-winning jumper bounced off the rim at the buzzer.

Antetokounmpo concluded the game with an impressive stat line of 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists. However, it wasn't enough to secure a win for the Bucks. Supporting him was Taurean Price, who scored 23 points, and Bobby Portis, who added 21 points off the bench.

The Hornets also received strong contributions from other players. Miles Bridges, returning from a three-game absence, put up 19 points, and Moussa Diabate came off the bench to add 12 points and haul in 14 rebounds. Diabate's performance was notable as he became the ninth player in franchise history to record at least 10 offensive rebounds in a game.

The game remained tightly contested until the final moments. The Bucks held a one-point lead after Pat Connaughton’s clutch drive to the basket with only 19 seconds left. However, Ball responded decisively, drawing a critical foul on Antetokounmpo and sinking both free throws with 7.3 seconds remaining, securing the Hornets' one-point lead.

The Bucks were unable to challenge the foul decision as they were out of challenges, a moment that proved pivotal in the close encounter. The Hornets' superior rebounding, despite missing key centers Mark Williams and Nick Richards, also played a crucial role, as they outrebounded the Bucks 53-40.

Looking ahead, the Bucks will host the Toronto Raptors on Monday night, while the Hornets are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.