The Milwaukee Bucks secured a hard-fought victory over the Sacramento Kings on March 22, 2025, despite having star player Damian Lillard sidelined due to calf soreness. Lillard, who had already missed a game against the LA Lakers before this matchup, was unable to play, leaving the Bucks to find their rhythm without him. The Bucks managed to pull through, winning the game with a close score of 114-108, showcasing the resilience and depth of the team.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was a standout performer in this matchup, scoring 32 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. Antetokounmpo's efforts were crucial, especially considering that the Bucks had started the game sluggishly, trailing 25-17 after the first quarter and being down by 14 at one point in the third quarter. However, the team's determination shone through as they rallied in the later stages of the game to secure the win.
Kyle Kuzma contributed to the victory with a double-double of his own, putting up 14 points and collecting 14 rebounds. Other notable contributions came from Brook Lopez, who scored 21 points; Kevin Porter Jr. with 18 points; and Taurean Prince, who added 11 points to the scoreboard. The depth of scoring across the lineup proved vital for the Bucks as they managed to beat the Kings despite having only one player reach double digits in the first half.
On the opposing side, DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 22 points, but the Kings struggled to find their footing, losing their sixth game out of the last eight. Keon Ellis and Jonas Valanciunas were other key players for Sacramento, contributing 20 and 16 points respectively, but it was not enough to overcome the Bucks' balanced offense.
Both teams faced challenges heading into the game, with the Kings missing their star players Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk due to injuries and illness. Meanwhile, Lillard’s absence was felt by the Bucks, as he has historically performed well against the Kings, averaging 24.5 points in his 35 career games against them. Lillard's previous performance against Sacramento this season, where he scored 25 points, showed how crucial he can be for the team.
The Bucks' victory against the Kings not only pushed them to a 39-30 record through 69 games but also solidified their position within the playoffs. Following this match, they are set to face the Phoenix Suns next, making it crucial for them to continue building momentum despite Lillard's ongoing recovery.
The game was watched live by fans on NBA TV and local broadcasts, emphasizing the Bucks' growing popularity. As the NBA season progresses, the stakes heighten, and teams are aiming to secure favorable playoff positions. This triumph over Sacramento proves that the Bucks have the talent and resilience necessary to succeed, even when faced with key player injuries.
