Bucks Overcome Slow Start to Defeat Kings 114-108

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a hard-fought match at Golden 1 Center on Saturday night, the Milwaukee Bucks overcame a sluggish start to defeat the Sacramento Kings 114-108. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge with 32 points and 17 rebounds, helping the team rebound from an early deficit.

The Bucks found themselves trailing 25-17 after the first quarter and down by 14 points early in the third quarter. However, a strong performance in the second half allowed them to claw back and eventually claim the victory. “We showed our grit and determination, especially in the second half,” Antetokounmpo said postgame.

Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez added a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Despite missing key players, including Jrue Holiday (right calf) for the second consecutive game, the Bucks managed to sweep the season series against the Kings.

The Kings started strong, but struggled significantly as the game progressed. Sacramento’s DeMar DeRozan finished with 22 points, while Keon Ellis added 20 points. Despite having six players score in double digits, the Kings suffered their sixth loss in eight games. “We had opportunities but just couldn’t finish strong when it mattered most,” DeRozan stated.

Both teams played short-handed due to injuries and illness, leaving plenty of room for frustrations. The Kings were without center Domantas Sabonis (right ankle) and guard Malik Monk (illness). The lack of depth was evident as both teams juggled rotations throughout the game.

A key moment for Sacramento came in the final minute when they missed two free throws and shot three consecutive airballs, a sequence that epitomized their struggles. In contrast, the Bucks managed to find their rhythm, finishing with six players in double figures.

The Kings’ defense allowed the Bucks to shoot an impressive 41.9% from three-point range, while Sacramento only converted 23.7% of their attempts from beyond the arc. The Bucks capitalized on fast-break opportunities and dominated points in the paint, which proved crucial to their win.

Looking ahead, the Bucks will visit the Phoenix Suns on Monday, aiming to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, the Kings will face the Boston Celtics on the same day, desperate to end their recent slump.

As the season progresses, both teams continue to navigate challenges, but the Bucks seem to be finding their stride at an important juncture, while the Kings will need to regroup quickly to keep playoff hopes alive.