The Milwaukee Bucks snapped the Kings’ run with a 130–115 win at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Milwaukee built separation early with a blistering first quarter and sustained pressure through the middle frames.
Sacramento generated offence through DeMar DeRozan and De’Aaron Fox, but the Bucks’ efficiency and playmaking volume ultimately dictated the night.
- Milwaukee won despite Sacramento hitting 17 threes.
- The Bucks’ starters combined scoring with high-assist creation.
- Sacramento’s bench plus-minus swung sharply negative.
| Final | SAC | MIL |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 115 | 130 |
Key player stats and headliners
Giannis Antetokounmpo led all players with 33 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists, anchoring Milwaukee’s offence while controlling the glass.
Damian Lillard added 24 points with five made threes, and Brook Lopez supplied 21 points including three triples as the Bucks spaced the floor around Giannis’ interior attacks.
For Sacramento, DeMar DeRozan scored 28 points on 9-of-18 shooting with nine free throw attempts, while De’Aaron Fox finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
Domantas Sabonis posted a 16-point, 10-rebound, nine-assist line but also committed three turnovers and absorbed four personal fouls in heavy minutes.
- Antetokounmpo produced a points-rebounds-assists triple threat.
- Lillard and Lopez stretched the defence with perimeter scoring.
- DeRozan’s free throws kept Sacramento in contact during key stretches.
| Player | Team | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | FG | 3PT | FT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | MIL | 36:39 | 33 | 11 | 13 | 14-23 | 0-2 | 5-7 |
| Damian Lillard | MIL | 35:06 | 24 | 5 | 7 | 8-15 | 5-8 | 3-3 |
| Brook Lopez | MIL | 33:25 | 21 | 5 | 2 | 8-15 | 3-7 | 2-3 |
| DeMar DeRozan | SAC | 35:58 | 28 | 6 | 4 | 9-18 | 2-4 | 8-9 |
| De’Aaron Fox | SAC | 37:31 | 20 | 11 | 6 | 9-23 | 2-8 | 0-0 |
| Domantas Sabonis | SAC | 36:09 | 16 | 10 | 9 | 6-9 | 2-2 | 2-4 |
Game flow and timeline turning points
Milwaukee struck first and never let the pace settle, opening with early scores from Antetokounmpo and a quick Lillard three to establish control.
The Bucks’ first-quarter shot-making created a cushion that forced Sacramento into catch-up offence, and Milwaukee kept converting possessions into points through ball movement and spacing.
Sacramento’s most effective response came through DeRozan’s half-court scoring and Keon Ellis’ perimeter shooting, but Milwaukee consistently answered with timely threes and rim pressure.
In the second half, Giannis’ playmaking became the separator as he repeatedly drew help and turned it into clean looks for Lopez, Lillard and the supporting shooters.
- Milwaukee’s early burst shaped the possession battle.
- Sacramento’s runs were met by immediate Bucks answers.
- Giannis’ passing punished rotations in the second half.
| Quarter milestone | What happened | Score context |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 early | Antetokounmpo opened scoring and set tempo | Bucks ahead quickly |
| Q1 mid | Lillard hit multiple early threes to stretch the lead | Lead expanded |
| Q2 stretch | DeRozan steady scoring kept Kings afloat | Kings stayed within reach |
| Q3 turning point | Giannis drive-and-kick sequences produced key makes | Bucks reasserted control |
| Q4 control | Milwaukee maintained separation with scoring balance | Game closed out |
Team and style comparisons
Milwaukee shot 49.5% from the field on 49 makes and generated 32 assists, reflecting consistent creation across the rotation.
Sacramento hit 40.5% of its threes and forced some transition chances, but the Kings’ minus totals from several bench minutes undercut late momentum.
The Bucks also held an edge on the glass at 52–45, helping them sustain offensive volume across four quarters.
- Bucks won efficiency, rebounding and assist volume.
- Kings relied more heavily on threes and DeRozan’s shot creation.
- Milwaukee’s depth maintained scoring pressure across lineups.
| Team totals | SAC | MIL |
|---|---|---|
| FG | 42-95 | 49-99 |
| FG% | 44.2 | 49.5 |
| 3PT | 17-42 | 17-45 |
| 3PT% | 40.5 | 37.8 |
| FT | 14-18 | 15-18 |
| REB | 45 | 52 |
| AST | 25 | 32 |
| STL | 4 | 2 |
| BLK | 5 | 4 |
| TO | 9 | 7 |
| PTS | 115 | 130 |
| Bench impact snapshot | Kings bench +/- highlights | Bucks bench +/- highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Biggest swing | Huerter -24, Lyles -19, Carter -11 | Prince +26, Green +9, Rollins +8 |
