Pelicans vs Bucks: Bucks demolish Pelicans 135-110, Kuzma drops 31

Kyle Kuzma led a stunning second-half collapse by New Orleans as the Milwaukee Bucks dismantled the Pelicans 135-110 on February 4, 2026. The Bucks erupted for 53 points in the third and fourth quarters, overcoming a 15-point halftime deficit in one of the season’s most dramatic comebacks.

The Bucks Stun Visiting Pelicans with Historic Second-Half Run

New Orleans came out firing in the first half, controlling the game with sharp ball movement and defensive intensity. The Pelicans led by as many as 22 points early, forcing Milwaukee to find answers. But coach’s adjustments at halftime changed everything. James Borrego’s squad couldn’t hold on as the Bucks unleashed a second-half onslaught that left no doubt.

The Bucks came out with pace and purpose, dominating the paint and forcing turnovers. Milwaukee’s transition game became lethal, converting steals into fast-break points. The Pelicans managed just 31 points in the second half, a remarkable drop-off from their 64-point first-half performance.

Kuzma Delivers MVP-Caliber Performance When Bucks Need It Most

Kyle Kuzma tied his season high with 31 points, orchestrating Milwaukee’s offensive assault. The forward’s scoring punch came at the perfect moment, with the Bucks desperately needing someone to step up. Kuzma attacked off the bounce, finished in transition, and hit timely outside shots.

Beyond scoring, Kuzma added 10 rebounds to complete his dominant performance. He defended multiple positions and energized his teammates. The 31-point outburst showed why the Bucks rely on Kuzma to lead scorers when Giannis Antetokounmpo is sidelined by injury.

Defense and Rebounding Define Second-Half Dominance

Metric	First Half	Second Half
Bucks Score	82	53
Pelicans Score	64	31
Halftime Leader	New Orleans (+15)	Milwaukee (+22)

Milwaukee’s defensive transformation in the second half was surgical. They limited the Pelicans to just 31 points on poor shooting, forcing turnovers and controlling the glass. Rebounding dominance on both ends gave the Bucks second-chance opportunities while preventing New Orleans from extending possessions.

The Pelicans’ offensive struggles continued their recent trend. Head coach James Borrego acknowledged the team ranked 22nd in NBA scoring coming into the game. Without fixing their half-court offense, New Orleans would continue facing blowouts against solid defensive teams.

“You’ve got to score more than 31 points in a half to get a win.”

— James Borrego, Pelicans Head Coach

Milwaukee Snaps Losing Skid with Dominant Road Victory

For the Bucks, this victory represented more than just a win. Milwaukee had fallen into a troubling pattern, losing five straight before Tuesday night’s win over the Chicago Bulls. This second consecutive victory showed the team could string together performances when healthy. The Bucks shot the ball with confidence and executed their game plan despite missing key players.

With Giannis out and uncertainly shrouding the franchise due to the trade deadline, these wins provide Milwaukee clarity. The team’s depth and role players can carry games. Kuzma proved capable of leading offensively while supporting cast members contributed across the board. For a team seeking solutions, February 4th provided real hope.

What’s Next for Pelicans After Devastating Second-Half Collapse?

New Orleans faces a critical stretch ahead. The loss to Milwaukee exposed their offensive fragility and inability to maintain leads. The team sits 13-39, among the league’s worst records. Borrego’s defensive improvements haven’t translated to wins because the Pelicans can’t score consistently enough to survive bad shooting nights.

The question remains: Can New Orleans find offensive identity, or will first-half excellence continue giving way to second-half collapses? If the trend continues, the Pelicans will remain lottery-bound despite playing better defense than before.

Sources

• NBA.com – Official game recap and box score from Pelicans vs Bucks
• ESPN – Live score updates and game statistics
• Field Level Media – Game analysis and player performance metrics