Kings edge Bucks in 135–133 epic
Saturday’s (2 November) contest between Milwaukee and Sacramento was one of the most entertaining of week two — a fast-paced, high-scoring clash that swung back and forth until the final seconds.
The Bucks, riding a 4–1 start to the season, entered as favourites, and early on it looked as though Giannis Antetokounmpo and company would run the Kings off the floor. Backed by a lively home crowd, Milwaukee raced out to a 21–6 lead, knocking down eight of their first 13 three-point attempts for a blistering 61 per cent from deep.
The Kings, mired in a three-game skid, absorbed the early blow and responded with composure. By half-time, the visitors had erased a 15-point deficit thanks to timely shooting from Dennis Schröder and Zach LaVine, who combined for 55 points on the night.
Sacramento took control in the third quarter, outscoring Milwaukee 38–31 behind Domantas Sabonis’ strength inside and DeMar DeRozan’s smooth mid-range game. The Kings led 108–102 entering the fourth, but the hosts mounted one final charge.
Antetokounmpo, returning after sitting out mid-week with knee soreness, scored 11 straight points down the stretch to drag the Bucks within two. A Miles Turner corner three cut the deficit to 133–132 with 51 seconds remaining, setting up a tense finish.
DeRozan’s pull-up jumper rimmed out on the next possession, giving Milwaukee a chance to steal it — but Antetokounmpo’s misplaced pass with 19 seconds left proved costly. Schröder calmly sank two free throws to restore a three-point cushion. Milwaukee had one last chance to tie or even go for the win after AJ Green intentionally missed the second of two free throws, but Sacramento secured the rebound to seal the result.
LaVine led all scorers with 31 points, DeRozan added 29, and Sabonis posted 24 points and 13 rebounds. Antetokounmpo finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in defeat.