The Milwaukee Bucks stormed back from the All-Star break with a statement win on the road, toppling the New Orleans Pelicans in a high-octane showdown that showcased the team’s depth and resilience. Despite being without their two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who continues to recover from a strained right calf suffered on January 23, the Bucks looked anything but short-handed as they rolled past the Pelicans, 129-115, on February 20, 2026.
It’s been exactly four weeks since Antetokounmpo went down, and while Milwaukee fans anxiously await his return—“I’m healthy today, I just got to check the boxes,” Antetokounmpo shared on NBA Today earlier this week—the Bucks have quietly found their groove. After dropping their first three games without their superstar, Milwaukee has now rattled off six wins in their last seven outings, a run that’s turning heads across the league and keeping the Bucks firmly in the playoff conversation.
Friday’s matchup in New Orleans was billed as a test for both squads: the Bucks seeking to prove their mettle without their leader, and the Pelicans looking to build on the momentum of two wins in their last three games before the break. The last time these teams met, Milwaukee eked out a 141-137 overtime thriller in Wisconsin, overcoming a jaw-dropping 44-point, 12-three-pointer night from the Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III.
This time, the Bucks leaned on a dynamic guard trio that simply overwhelmed New Orleans. Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr., and Cam Thomas each poured in more than 25 points, combining for a staggering 79 points on 31-of-47 shooting. Rollins, in particular, was sensational: in 35 minutes of action, he tallied 27 points, six assists, four steals, and two blocks, drilling a career-high seven three-pointers on just ten attempts. His early shooting calmed the Bucks after a shaky start, and his defensive intensity set the tone for the night. “He’s become so reliable his glow-up is probably underappreciated,” one local analyst noted after the game.
Porter Jr. was equally effective, finishing with 25 points and seven assists while shooting a blistering 10-of-15 from the field. He saved his best for the fourth quarter, where he poured in 13 points and dished out two assists to help the Bucks pull away for good. Thomas, meanwhile, continued his emergence as a top bench scorer, racking up 27 points in just 21 minutes, including a second-quarter outburst that left the Pelicans scrambling.
“Thomas is just such a weapon to have off the bench and is perfectly suited to the role of microwave scorer,” the Bucks+ podcast recapped. “He absolutely dominated the second quarter—four paint buckets, two from midrange, and his lone three (to go along with three free throws).”
Milwaukee’s supporting cast also stepped up. Bobby Portis delivered a vintage performance with 17 points and 11 rebounds, starting an efficient 7-of-7 from the field before finally missing midway through the third. Kyle Kuzma chipped in 14 points, and Ousmane Dieng added 10 points in 22 minutes, showing off his versatility on both ends. Pete Nance contributed 10 points and five rebounds, his quick decision-making and off-ball movement drawing praise from coaches and teammates alike.
AJ Green, despite not scoring in 30 minutes (0-for-4 from the field), still managed a game-high +22 plus-minus, a testament to his improved passing and steady defense. “As has been documented, his passing game has really improved this season and he dropped an absolute dime to a cutting Nance after curling around a screen and rising up into his shooting motion,” noted a game analyst.
The Pelicans, for their part, started strong. Zion Williamson erupted for 14 points in the first quarter—a personal season high—and New Orleans outscored Milwaukee 20-10 in the paint to open the game. By the end of the first, the Pelicans had seized the lead with a 22-11 run, but the Bucks responded with a flurry. Milwaukee reclaimed the lead with 6:45 left in the second quarter and never looked back, ultimately going on a decisive 20-8 run in the final eight minutes to seal the win.
New Orleans’ Trey Murphy III, who averages a team-best 22.1 points and 1.5 steals per game, returned to the lineup after missing time with right shoulder soreness. Rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen continued to impress—Fears averaging 13.2 points and Queen contributing 12.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per contest. Both young players gained valuable experience during All-Star weekend, with Queen helping Team Vince defeat Fears’ Team Melo in the NBA Rising Stars competition. “We’re gonna come back a lot more confident,” Fears said on the Pelicans podcast. Queen echoed the sentiment: “I’m excited to come back. We’ve got three home games. Win those three and get back on the right track.”
The Bucks’ shooting was a thing of beauty—59% from the field in the first half, finishing at a scorching 60% overall. The Pelicans matched them shot-for-shot early, connecting on 62% in the first half and 54% for the game, but couldn’t keep pace as Milwaukee’s defensive adjustments took hold. Rollins, Porter, and Thomas not only filled it up offensively, but also combined for 15 assists and just five turnovers, demonstrating a poise and maturity well beyond their years. “They are 23, 25, and 24 years old. The Bucks picked up two of them after being waived and gave up just MarJon Beauchamp for the other,” a Bucks+ commentator marveled.
Head coach Doc Rivers drew praise for his rotation management, opting to bring Thomas off the bench and trusting his young guards to carry the load. “He’s had his struggles this year, but tonight Doc got it right,” the Bucks+ podcast concluded.
For the Pelicans, the loss stings, but there are positives to build on. Murphy’s return, the continued growth of Fears and Queen, and Zion’s first-quarter explosion all signal a team with plenty of potential heading into the second half of the season. The home crowd, ever passionate, even offered a “Bucks in six” chant as the game wound down—a nod to Milwaukee’s growing reputation as a tough out even without its biggest star.
Looking ahead, the Bucks will return to Milwaukee to face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, February 22, with tip-off set for 2:30 p.m. Central on FanDual Sports Wisconsin. As for Giannis Antetokounmpo, his return could come any game now, but for the moment, the Bucks are proving they can weather the storm and keep the noise at bay—all by taking care of business on the hardwood.