October 26, 2016 – The Ben Simmons Era Begins

Hornets 104, Bucks 80 (Season Opener – BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI)

The Charlotte Hornets walked into Milwaukee with everything to prove.

For months, their blockbuster trade for Ben Simmons had been the most debated move in the NBA. Fans were still adjusting to life without Kemba Walker, and skeptics questioned whether Simmons could live up to the hype—especially in his very first NBA game.

By the final buzzer, those doubts were gone.

Simmons Dominates in His Debut

Ben Simmons wasted no time announcing his arrival.

Final stat line:

• 40 points (17-25 FG, 6-10 FT)

• 12 rebounds

• 12 assists

• 2 blocks

• 7 turnovers

From the opening tip, Simmons took control of the game, pushing the tempo and attacking Milwaukee’s defense at will. The Bucks, led by a young Giannis Antetokounmpo, had no answers for the 6’10” rookie phenom, who sliced through defenders and found teammates with pinpoint passes.

By halftime, Simmons had already notched 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, and Charlotte led 54-38.

“Ben played like a veteran tonight,” said head coach Steve Clifford postgame. “The moment wasn’t too big for him.”

Marvin Williams Lights It Up

While Simmons stole the headlines, veteran forward Marvin Williams provided the perfect support, finishing with 18 points on 4-of-7 shooting from deep. Every time the Bucks sagged off to contain Simmons’ drives, Williams made them pay.

“That’s the kind of ball we want to play,” Williams said. “Ben’s gonna find you if you’re open—you just have to be ready.”

Roy Hibbert… Well, He Was There

Meanwhile, Roy Hibbert’s struggles were glaring.

The Hornets had signed the former All-Star center for size and rim protection, but it was clear he wasn’t part of the long-term plan.

Despite pulling down 12 rebounds, Hibbert was a disaster offensively—bricking wide-open shots, getting outmuscled in the post, and slowing down the pace whenever he touched the ball.

Charlotte’s front office, already secretly eyeing Oregon freshman Bol Bol, knew they’d need a different center to complement Simmons’ game.

“Roy… he gives us size,” Clifford said, choosing his words carefully. “We’ll keep working with him.”

Bucks Struggle as Giannis Falters

The Bucks were supposed to be a rising force in the East, but on this night, they looked completely outmatched.

Giannis finished with 15 points on 6-of-18 shooting, struggling against Charlotte’s physical defense and constant double teams. Without Khris Middleton (injury), Milwaukee’s offense had no spacing, and the Hornets took full advantage.

“We got punched in the mouth early,” said Bucks coach Jason Kidd. “And we didn’t respond.”

The Aftermath

Charlotte left Milwaukee with a statement win.

Ben Simmons shattered expectations, putting up one of the greatest rookie debuts in NBA history. The Hornets played fast, aggressive, and looked like a team with a future—even if Hibbert was holding them back.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee left with more questions than answers.

But for the Hornets, the message was clear:

The Ben Simmons era had officially begun.