Milwaukee Bucks vs. Houston Rockets Match Series Analysis: 2024-25 NBA Season

The Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets met twice during the 2024-25 NBA regular season, producing two low-scoring, defensive-minded contests that emphasized rebounding battles and late-game execution. This article provides a detailed breakdown of their encounters, focusing on player stats, game summaries, and head-to-head analysis, sourced from verified outlets. The games analyzed are from November 18, 2024, and February 25, 2025. Below, we explore each matchup, including player stats, key moments, and team performance context. Note: The teams are scheduled to play twice in the 2025-26 season, on November 9, 2025 (Bucks home, 3:30 p.m. ET at Fiserv Forum) and April 1, 2026 (Rockets home, 8:00 p.m. ET at Toyota Center).

Game Highlights

• Sport: Basketball
• League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: Milwaukee Bucks vs Houston Rockets Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: November 18, 2024
  • Game 2: February 25, 2025
• Series Result: Split 1–1
  

Series Overview: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Houston Rockets, 2024-25 NBA Season

The Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets split their two-game series 1-1 in the 2024-25 NBA season, with Milwaukee winning on November 18 (101-100) at Fiserv Forum and Houston prevailing on February 25 (100-97) at Toyota Center. Both matchups were tightly contested, with combined totals of 201 and 197 points (average 199.0 points per game) and margins of 1 and 3 points, underscoring Houston’s rebounding edge against Milwaukee’s interior defense anchored by Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Below is a summary of the results:

• Game 1 (November 18, 2024): Milwaukee Bucks 101, Houston Rockets 100
• Game 2 (February 25, 2025): Houston Rockets 100, Milwaukee Bucks 97

The series stood at 1-1, with each team securing a home victory. Milwaukee’s win halted Houston’s five-game streak, while Houston’s triumph ended Milwaukee’s four-game run. Houston dominated rebounding 106-80 overall, but the Bucks edged assists 20.0-22.0.

Game 1: Milwaukee Bucks 101, Houston Rockets 100 (November 18, 2024)

Game Summary

The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Houston Rockets 101-100 on November 18, 2024, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ending Houston’s five-game winning streak. Damian Lillard’s driving layup with 3.9 seconds remaining clinched the victory after Houston erased a 14-point third-quarter deficit. Brook Lopez led Milwaukee with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks, while Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 20 points and 14 rebounds. Fred VanVleet topped Houston with 26 points, but the Rockets shot 40.0% from the field and 28.1% from three (9-for-32). Attendance was 17,341, with officials Ben Taylor, Nick Buchert, and Brandon Adair.

Key Player Stats: Milwaukee Bucks

• Brook Lopez (C): 27 points, 11-for-15 FG (73.3%), 2-for-6 3PT (33.3%), 3-for-3 FT (100%), 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 blocks, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 35 minutes. Lopez’s double-double featured 15 second-half points and four blocks to stifle Houston’s interior attack.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF): 20 points, 9-for-17 FG (52.9%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-7 FT (28.6%), 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 36 minutes. Antetokounmpo’s double-double included eight first-half rebounds to establish early control.
• Damian Lillard (PG): 18 points, 7-for-16 FG (43.8%), 2-for-7 3PT (28.6%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes. Lillard’s game-winning layup followed his return from concussion protocol, complemented by seven assists.
• Khris Middleton (SF): 15 points, 6-for-12 FG (50.0%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 32 minutes. Middleton’s third-quarter 3-pointer extended Milwaukee’s 14-point lead.
• Bobby Portis (PF): 12 points, 5-for-9 FG (55.6%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 28 minutes. Portis scored six points in the fourth off the bench.
• Pat Connaughton (SG, Reserve): 5 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 10 minutes. Connaughton’s second-quarter 3-pointer aided the halftime edge.
• AJ Green (SG, Reserve): 4 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1 rebound, 8 minutes. Green contributed perimeter spacing.
• Inactives: Taurean Prince (coach’s decision).

Team Stats: 45.8% FG (38/83), 39.4% 3PT (13/33), 63.2% FT (12/19), 43 rebounds (10 offensive), 21 assists, 7 steals, 8 blocks, 15 turnovers, 42 points in the paint, 15 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 12 second-chance points. Milwaukee’s eight blocks and timely scoring repelled Houston’s late surge.

Key Player Stats: Houston Rockets

• Fred VanVleet (PG): 26 points, 9-for-18 FG (50.0%), 4-for-9 3PT (44.4%), 4-for-4 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 37 minutes. VanVleet scored 12 in the fourth, including a go-ahead 3-pointer.
• Jalen Green (SG): 21 points, 8-for-17 FG (47.1%), 3-for-8 3PT (37.5%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes. Green’s 10 third-quarter points narrowed the gap to one.
• Alperen Şengün (C): 18 points, 8-for-14 FG (57.1%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-3 FT (66.7%), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes. Şengün’s double-double added five fourth-quarter points.
• Jabari Smith Jr. (PF): 12 points, 4-for-10 FG (40.0%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 30 minutes. Smith’s rebounds boosted second-chance opportunities.
• Amen Thompson (SF): 10 points, 4-for-7 FG (57.1%), 0-for-1 3PT, 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 28 minutes. Thompson’s energy ignited the comeback.
• Dillon Brooks (SF, Reserve): 8 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 10 minutes. Brooks offered defensive intensity off the bench.
• Reed Sheppard (PG, Reserve): 5 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1 rebound, 8 minutes. Sheppard’s rookie stint included a 3-pointer.
• Inactives: Steven Adams (injury management).

Team Stats: 40.0% FG (40/100), 28.1% 3PT (9/32), 84.6% FT (11/13), 53 rebounds (15 offensive), 22 assists, 8 steals, 4 blocks, 12 turnovers, 38 points in the paint, 12 points off turnovers, 8 fastbreak points, 14 second-chance points. Houston’s 53 rebounds were undermined by 12 turnovers yielding 15 Bucks points.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (MIL 25, HOU 23): Antetokounmpo’s eight points and Lopez’s block paced a 7-2 run for Milwaukee’s lead.
• Second Quarter (MIL 52, HOU 48): Lillard’s 3-pointer concluded a 10-4 run for halftime advantage, as Houston shot 38.5% FG.
• Third Quarter (MIL 78, HOU 64): Milwaukee forged a 14-point lead with Lopez’s 10 points, restricting Houston to 35.7% FG.
• Fourth Quarter (HOU 36, MIL 23): VanVleet’s go-ahead 3 (4:15) put Houston up 99-98, but Lillard’s layup (3.9 seconds) and VanVleet’s inbound turnover clinched it for Milwaukee.

Game 2: Houston Rockets 100, Milwaukee Bucks 97 (February 25, 2025)

Game Summary

The Houston Rockets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 100-97 on February 25, 2025, at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, halting Milwaukee’s four-game winning streak. Jalen Green topped Houston with 25 points and eight rebounds, Alperen Şengün added 23 points and 11 rebounds, and Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Damian Lillard’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer missed to tie. Amen Thompson was ejected for a hard foul on Antetokounmpo (4:27 fourth). The game tied at 95 before Şengün’s free throw (2:03) gave Houston the lead. Attendance was 18,055, with officials Tony Brothers, Matt Myers, and Gediminas Petraitis.

Key Player Stats: Houston Rockets

• Jalen Green (SG): 25 points, 9-for-20 FG (45.0%), 3-for-8 3PT (37.5%), 4-for-5 FT (80.0%), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 36 minutes. Green’s 12 second-half points included sealing free throws.
• Alperen Şengün (C): 23 points, 9-for-16 FG (56.3%), 0-for-0 3PT, 5-for-6 FT (83.3%), 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes. Şengün’s double-double culminated in the go-ahead free throw (2:03).
• Fred VanVleet (PG): 18 points, 7-for-14 FG (50.0%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 35 minutes. VanVleet’s assists drove a third-quarter surge.
• Dillon Brooks (SF): 16 points, 6-for-12 FG (50.0%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 30 minutes. Brooks’ defense on Middleton included six fourth-quarter points.
• Jabari Smith Jr. (PF): 12 points, 5-for-11 FG (45.5%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 28 minutes. Smith’s rebounds facilitated second chances.
• Amen Thompson (SF, Reserve): 9 points, 3-for-5 FG (60.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 12 minutes (ejected). Thompson’s ejection followed fouling Antetokounmpo.
• Reed Sheppard (PG, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 6 minutes. Sheppard’s rookie minutes were sparse.
• Inactives: Steven Adams (injury management), Jack McVeigh (coach’s decision), N’Faly Dante (G League), Cody Zeller (coach’s decision).

Team Stats: 40.7% FG (37/91), 34.3% 3PT (12/35), 77.8% FT (14/18), 53 rebounds (15 offensive), 22 assists, 8 steals, 5 blocks, 15 turnovers, 40 points in the paint, 12 points off turnovers, 8 fastbreak points, 16 second-chance points. Houston’s 53 rebounds and 34.3% 3PT prevailed in the grinder.

Key Player Stats: Milwaukee Bucks

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF): 27 points, 9-for-17 FG (52.9%), 0-for-0 3PT, 9-for-12 FT (75.0%), 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 31:44 minutes. Antetokounmpo’s double-double included 15 third-quarter points despite the foul.
• Damian Lillard (PG): 22 points, 7-for-22 FG (31.8%), 4-for-11 3PT (36.4%), 4-for-5 FT (80.0%), 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 36 minutes. Lillard’s 10 fourth-quarter points ended with a missed tying 3-pointer.
• Brook Lopez (C): 12 points, 4-for-10 FG (40.0%), 1-for-6 3PT (16.7%), 3-for-3 FT (100%), 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 35:16 minutes. Lopez’s blocks hampered Houston’s interior.
• Kyle Kuzma (SF): 9 points, 4-for-10 FG (40.0%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, 34:23 minutes. Kuzma, post-trade debut, scored but faltered from deep.
• Taurean Prince (SG): 10 points, 4-for-10 FG (40.0%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 25:16 minutes. Prince’s second-quarter 3s supported the effort.
• Bobby Portis (PF, Reserve): 8 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 12 minutes. Portis energized the bench.
• AJ Green (SG, Reserve): 4 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1 rebound, 8 minutes. Green’s impact was minimal.
• Inactives: Pat Connaughton (injury), Stanley Umude (G League).

Team Stats: 40.0% FG (34/85), 32.4% 3PT (12/37), 73.9% FT (17/23), 37 rebounds (10 offensive), 19 assists, 7 steals, 5 blocks, 13 turnovers, 38 points in the paint, 10 points off turnovers, 8 fastbreak points, 12 second-chance points. Milwaukee’s 40.0% FG met Houston’s stout defense.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (HOU 30, MIL 25): Green’s eight points fueled an 8-2 run for Houston’s advantage.
• Second Quarter (MIL 59, HOU 57): Antetokounmpo’s 10 points tied it at halftime.
• Third Quarter (HOU 85, MIL 85): Şengün’s eight points created an eight-point lead before Milwaukee tied.
• Fourth Quarter (HOU 100, MIL 97): Thompson’s ejection (4:27) after fouling Antetokounmpo; Şengün’s FT (2:03) for 96-95; Lillard’s missed buzzer 3.

Head-to-Head Analysis

The Bucks and Rockets have played 139 games since 1970, with Milwaukee leading 76-63. In 2024-25, the series split 1-1, each winning at home. Key trends:

Bucks Strengths:

• Rim Protection: 13 blocks total, with Lopez’s six (3.0 per game in series), limiting Houston to 40.4% FG.
• Late Execution: Lillard’s Game 1 winner; 73.0% FT series-wide.
• Assists Edge: 20.0 per game vs. Houston’s 22.0, fostering balanced scoring.

Rockets Strengths:

• Board Control: 106 rebounds (53.0 per game) to Milwaukee’s 80, generating 30 second-chance points.
• Outside Shooting in Win: Green and VanVleet’s 43 points (21.5 PPG), 34.3% 3PT in Game 2.
• Home Tenacity: Restricted Milwaukee to 97 points in Game 2 via eight steals and five blocks.

Houston averaged 100.0 PPG vs. Milwaukee, who scored 99.0 PPG. Historically, Houston claims 67.4% home wins vs. Milwaukee, while Milwaukee takes 68.2% home victories. The split mirrored both teams’ postseason paths, with Houston as West No. 2 seed and Milwaukee East No. 5.

Series Standouts

Milwaukee Bucks

• Brook Lopez: 19.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG in Game 1 double-double, four blocks for defensive anchor.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo: 23.5 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 27 points and 10 rebounds in Game 2 despite foul.
• Damian Lillard: 20.0 PPG, 6.5 APG, clutch Game 1 winner but missed key Game 2 shot.

Houston Rockets

• Jalen Green: 23.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 25 points in Game 2 leadership.
• Alperen Şengün: 20.5 PPG, 9.5 RPG, double-double consistency.
• Fred VanVleet: 22.0 PPG, 6.0 APG, Game 1 comeback catalyst.

Team Performance Context

Milwaukee Bucks (48-34, 5th Eastern Conference)

The Bucks ended 48-34, earning the East’s No. 5 seed after a 2-8 start but rebounding to claim the In-Season Tournament. Home: 28-14; Road: 20-20. Averaged 115.5 PPG (11th), allowed 113.0 PPG (13th). Keys: Antetokounmpo (30.4 PPG, 11.5 RPG), Lillard (24.3 PPG). Lost first round to Pacers 4-1.

Houston Rockets (52-30, 2nd Western Conference)

Houston concluded 52-30, locking the West’s No. 2 seed with an 11-win improvement from 2023-24. Home: 29-12; Road: 23-18. Led NBA in rebounds (48.5 RPG, 1st), averaged 114.3 PPG (13th), allowed 109.8 PPG (6th). Keys: Şengün (21.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG), Green (22.1 PPG). Lost first round to Warriors 4-3.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Milwaukee Bucks: Damian Lillard (concussion protocol, missed three games pre-Game 1; later blood clots in calf, out indefinitely); Bobby Portis (25-game suspension for positive Tramadol test under anti-drug policy, began February 20, returned April 8); no major issues during series games. Kyle Kuzma debuted in Game 2 post mid-season trade from Wizards (February 5, for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, pick swap).
• Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson (ejected Game 2, no injury); Reed Sheppard (limited rookie minutes); Steven Adams (injury management, inactive); no significant series injuries.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets split their 2024-25 NBA series 1-1, with Milwaukee’s November 18 victory (101-100) and Houston’s February 25 win (100-97). Lopez and Antetokounmpo fortified Milwaukee’s defense, while Green and Şengün exploited Houston’s rebounding superiority. The series epitomized both squads’ playoff aspirations, Houston as West No. 2 (52-30) and Milwaukee East No. 5 (48-34). 2025-26 rematches on November 9 and April 1 loom large. For detailed stats and recaps, consult ESPN, NBA.com, FOX Sports, or CBS Sports.