Rollins and Bucks’ bench spark 139-118 win over Pelicans on February 20, 2026 in New Orleans
Milwaukee extends post-break momentum despite missing Antetokounmpo
The Milwaukee Bucks opened the post–All-Star break schedule with a 139-118 road win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, February 20, 2026, using high-volume three-point shooting and a decisive fourth quarter to turn a competitive game into a comfortable finish. The result improved Milwaukee to 24-30, while New Orleans fell to 15-42.
Milwaukee played without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been sidelined since January 23 by a right calf strain. In his absence, the Bucks’ offense was driven by guards and second-unit scoring, with Ryan Rollins and Cam Thomas sharing the game’s top scoring line for Milwaukee.
Rollins’ perimeter accuracy and disruptive defense shaped the game flow
Rollins scored 27 points and set a career high with seven made three-pointers, helping Milwaukee compensate for the missing interior creation typically provided by Antetokounmpo. Beyond the scoring, Rollins added six assists, four steals and two blocks, providing two-way activity that helped Milwaukee control stretches when New Orleans threatened to close the gap.
Cam Thomas delivered 27 points in 21 minutes off the bench, giving Milwaukee a burst of offense that consistently stabilized possessions after Pelicans runs. Kevin Porter Jr. added 25 points, forming a three-guard scoring foundation that repeatedly forced New Orleans into recovery rotations.
Key moments: halftime swing and a fourth-quarter separation
New Orleans led 38-33 after the first quarter, but Milwaukee edged ahead by halftime, 71-65, after a 38-point second quarter. The Pelicans kept the game within reach through three quarters, with Milwaukee carrying a 103-96 lead into the fourth.
Early in the final period, New Orleans cut the deficit to six (108-102) on a Zion Williamson basket. Milwaukee responded with a 14-4 run that stretched the margin and shifted the game from a two-possession contest into a closing stretch defined by Bucks shot-making. Pete Nance contributed timely scoring during that swing, including two three-pointers.
Williamson’s efficiency stood out, but Pelicans lacked enough perimeter support
Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 32 points, scoring efficiently and carrying much of the half-court offense, including 21 points before intermission. However, New Orleans played without leading scorer Trey Murphy III, who sat out with a sore right shoulder, reducing the team’s spacing and late-game shot diversity.
What the numbers suggested about both teams’ current trajectory
Milwaukee’s 139 points reflected an offense that generated quality looks from three and converted at a high rate, particularly through guard-driven creation and bench scoring.
New Orleans’ ability to keep pace through three quarters highlighted Williamson’s impact, but the fourth-quarter margin underscored the challenge of matching Milwaukee’s perimeter volume without a full complement of scorers.
Next scheduled games: Milwaukee was set to host Toronto on Sunday, while New Orleans continued a home back-to-back Saturday against Philadelphia.