SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Giannis Antetokounmpo displayed his prowess with a strong performance, scoring 32 points and securing 17 rebounds, as the Milwaukee Bucks overcame a slow start to secure a 114-108 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.
Kyle Kuzma also contributed significantly to the Bucks’ triumph, recording a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. The Bucks faced a challenging start, trailing 25-17 after the first quarter and at one point down by 14 in the early stages of the third quarter. Brook Lopez chipped in with 21 points, Kevin Porter Jr. added 18, and Taurean Prince contributed 11 to the winning effort.
For Sacramento, DeMar DeRozan led the charge with 22 points, yet it wasn’t enough as the team faced its sixth loss in eight games. Keon Ellis added 20 points, while Jonas Valanciunas contributed 16 points alongside seven rebounds and five assists.
Both teams were affected by absences due to injuries. The Bucks played without Damian Lillard, missing his second consecutive game due to a right calf strain. The Kings, on the other hand, continued to cope without their injured center Domantas Sabonis, who has a right ankle issue, and point guard Malik Monk, absent due to illness.
Takeaways from the game highlight the Bucks’ recovery after an unsteady start, as they found their rhythm in the second half to complete a season series sweep. For the Kings, the result constituted another setback, adding to the challenge following a previous loss to the Chicago Bulls.
A critical moment in the game came when the Kings missed three straight shot attempts and two free throws in the final minute, sealing their fate.
Notably, Antetokounmpo was the only Bucks player to reach double figures in the first half, although they concluded the game with six players scoring in double figures overall.
Looking ahead, the Bucks will next face the Phoenix Suns on Monday, while the Kings are set to host the Boston Celtics on the same day.
