MILWAUKEE — The Bucks needed overtime to get it, but they got it: a 141-137 win over the Pelicans on Thursday night at Fiserv Forum, surviving a track meet that never slowed down. Milwaukee (19-29) snapped a skid-heavy stretch of form with a result built on offensive flow and timely stops, while New Orleans (13-39) left with another close loss despite controlling long stretches of regulation.
How it happened
New Orleans set the tone early, winning the first two quarters 34-30 and 36-33 to take a 70-63 halftime lead. The Pelicans kept pressure on the rim and generated consistent looks, and their ball movement showed up on the stat sheet: 32 assists in the game.
Milwaukee flipped the script coming out of the break. The Bucks took the third quarter 36-34, then won the fourth 29-24 to erase the deficit and force overtime. The late push was driven by cleaner execution and more reliable creation, with Milwaukee finishing the night with 36 assists — a meaningful edge in a game where both teams were scoring in bunches.
Overtime: Milwaukee’s composure wins it
In the extra period, the Bucks were sharper. Milwaukee won overtime 13-9, doing just enough on both ends to separate in a game that had been essentially even possession-to-possession. The Pelicans, after winning three of four quarters in regulation, couldn’t match Milwaukee’s final burst.
Key numbers that decided it
Playmaking edge
Milwaukee’s 36 assists to New Orleans’ 32 was the cleanest indicator of where the margin came from. In a 278-point game, the difference wasn’t just shot-making — it was how consistently each team generated quality offense. The Bucks’ ability to keep the ball moving late helped them find answers when the game tightened.
Winning time swing
The Pelicans led at halftime and entered the fourth with a cushion, but Milwaukee’s 29-24 fourth quarter closed the gap and changed the texture of the game. From there, overtime became a test of execution, and the Bucks won that test 13-9.
What it means going forward
For Milwaukee, the win is a needed stabilizer in a season defined by inconsistency — and a reminder of what their offense can look like when it’s organized and connected. The Bucks’ assist total reflects a team that found rhythm, not just points.
For New Orleans, the loss is another painful entry in a difficult season. The Pelicans showed they can score and share the ball at a high level, but the inability to close — after leading at the half and winning three quarters — remains the separating line between competitive stretches and results.
Final: Bucks 141, Pelicans 137 (OT).