MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a commanding performance, recording his 50th career triple-double with 30 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Sacramento Kings 130-115 on Tuesday night. The victory snapped the Kings’ impressive seven-game winning streak and showcased the Bucks’ ability to bounce back after a tough loss.
Antetokounmpo’s triple-double marked his fifth of the season. While he also recorded one in the Bucks’ NBA Cup championship win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, statistics from that game are not considered official. His contributions were pivotal as the Bucks led wire-to-wire, at one point holding a commanding 28-point advantage.
Strong Support Cast for Milwaukee
Damian Lillard added 24 points to Milwaukee’s effort, while Brook Lopez contributed 21, and A.J. Green came off the bench to score an impressive 16. The Bucks’ dominance was evident from the start as they established control early and never allowed Sacramento to gain momentum.
Kings’ Contributions Fall Short
On the other side, DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 28 points, while De’Aaron Fox and Keon Ellis chipped in with 20 and 18 points, respectively. Domantas Sabonis came close to a triple-double of his own, tallying 16 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Despite their valiant efforts, the Kings struggled to overcome Milwaukee’s explosive start and deep roster.
Sacramento played without Malik Monk, who was sidelined due to a sore right groin. The Bucks also dealt with absences, as Khris Middleton (ankle injury management) and Gary Trent Jr. (hip flexor strain) did not play.
Key Takeaways
Kings:
- Sacramento’s loss marked only their second defeat under interim head coach Doug Christie, bringing their record to 7-2 since he took over. The team had not lost a game since a 132-122 road defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 28, the day after former head coach Mike Brown was dismissed.
Bucks:
- Milwaukee posted its highest point total of the season. The win served as a strong response to their 140-106 blowout loss to the New York Knicks just two nights prior. The team’s ability to regroup and execute at a high level underscored their championship aspirations.
Key Moment
One of the defining plays of the game occurred during Milwaukee’s dominant first quarter. Damian Lillard, known more for his scoring than defense, achieved just his fifth block of the season by leaping and extending his left hand to deny Keon Ellis’ layup attempt. The Kings’ Keegan Murray grabbed the rebound but missed a putback, leading to a Lopez 3-pointer on the other end that extended Milwaukee’s lead to 15-11. This sequence set the tone for the Bucks’ early dominance.
Key Stats
- The Bucks orchestrated a massive 21-2 scoring run late in the first quarter, effectively seizing control of the game and leaving the Kings scrambling to catch up.
What’s Next
- Kings: Sacramento will look to regroup as they host the Houston Rockets on Thursday.
- Bucks: Milwaukee remains at home and will face the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, aiming to build on this momentum.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content is based on publicly available information, game statistics, and reports at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, details such as player performances, team updates, and injury statuses may evolve over time. Readers are encouraged to refer to official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding NBA games and related events. This article does not represent official statements or endorsements from the NBA, its teams, or players.
