The beleaguered Milwaukee Bucks’ 2024-25 season took another tumble on Saturday, during an early afternoon tilt against the Charlotte Hornets. A costly late defensive misstep from All-NBA Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo against All-Star Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball — who stepped up in the fourth quarter after a previously quiet game — ultimately dropped the Bucks to a 114-113 defeat, and sent them careening to a 4-9 record on the young year. The Hornets, meanwhile, improved to 5-7.
After missing the last game with an elbow injury, Bobby Portis made his presence felt early, pouring in six points in a 39-33 opening period.
Small forward Taurean Prince enjoyed his most prolific first half since joining the Bucks, scoring a team-high 15 points to help put Milwaukee up, marginally, 63-59…