Walker, Monk lead Hornets past Bucks 126-121

   CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Kemba Walker had 26 points, rookie Malik Monk had a huge fourth quarter and the Charlotte Hornets put the clamps on the NBA's leading scorer to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 126-121 on Wednesday night.

   Walker was 8 for 12 from the field, including 3 for 4 from 3-point range and 7 for 7 from the foul line as Charlotte won its third straight game. Monk, the team's first-round draft pick from Kentucky, had 18 of his 25 points in the pivotal fourth quarter to help the Hornets build a double-digit lead with Giannis Antetokounmpo forced to sit out with five fouls.

   Antetokounmpo came in averaging 33.7 points per game, but struggled with foul trouble and finished with a season-low 14 points along with 13 rebounds. He was limited to five points in the final three quarters.

   Khris Middleton led Milwaukee with 43 points on 15-for-28 shooting and Malcolm Brogdon added 20.

   The Hornets trailed 86-85 when Antetokounmpo picked up his fifth foul with 36 seconds left in the third quarter.

   The Hornets went on a 21-9 run to start the fourth quarter behind rookies Monk and Dwayne Bacon. Monk had four 3-pointers early in the fourth and Bacon made some clutch shots to help stretch the lead.

   When Antetokounmpo returned with 7:21 remaining, the Bucks were down 11 and could never regain the lead.

   Walker had an impressive first half, scoring 20 points on 6-for-7 shooting from the field, which included making all three 3-point attempts and all five of his free throws to give the Hornets a 60-57 lead at the break.

   TIP INS

   Bucks: John Henson started for the first time this season over Thon Maker. ... Greg Monroe and Jabari Parker did not play due to injuries.

   Hornets: Walker recorded his 193rd 20-point game, passing Larry Johnson for the franchise record. ... Jeremy Lamb had 16 points and has scored at least 15 points in every game this season. ... Michael Kidd-Gilchrist played only seven minutes before leaving with an illness. ... Nic Batum, Michael Carter-Williams and Julyan Stone did not play due to injuries.

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