The Milwaukee Bucks snack past the Sacramento Kings 141-137 in overtime last night at the Golden 1 Center. Just when it looked like the momentum had turned to the Kings’ favor, Milwaukee had an answer for nearly everything. With the win, the Bucks have now won nine straight games on the road, and have 22 wins as the visitors this season. Here are three Bucks who helped propel the Bucks to victory last night.
It’s no easy task going up against Sacramento point guard De’Aaron Fox, but Bledsoe refused to back down. He was spry offensively; hitting 11-of-20 shots and 4-of-7 three-pointers for 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists. He was flying all over the court on Wednesday night, picking up four offensive rebounds off his pure hustle and he did not commit a single foul. Defensively, he was attached to Fox’s hip from the opening tip. He limited him to just 17 points on 6-of-13 field goals. With Giannis Antetokounmpo taking a back seat last night, E-Bled balled out.
Malcolm Brogdon was phenomenal -The President ended the night with 25 points and five rebounds, and was nearly perfect from the field, connecting on 9-of-11 shots and 4-of-6 three-pointers. He was aggressive in the first, scoring 11 points, but wasn’t heard from much until crunch time, because of course. He came up with a countless number of big plays down the stretch, and was perfect from the foul line (3-for-3). Games like the one he had last night prove that he’s a glue guy for the Bucks. Do they need a big basket in the clutch? Brogdon is always there. Do you guys hear that? It’s the Brinks truck pulling-up to the Fiserv Forum.
Even though his minutes have fluctuated this season, make no mistake, Connaughton is always ready when his number is called off the Bucks bench. In 25 minutes last night versus Sacramento, he made 4-of-9 shots for nine points while also contributing with five rebounds, four assists, and two blocked shots. His jumper remains broke at the moment, but his hustle and awareness on defense are enough to keep throwing him out there.
Wow, a recap where Giannis Antetokounmpo is not featured. Who would’ve thought? He played only 24 minutes and scored 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. While he did make 7-of-12 field goals, it just looked like he was not moving right out there. Last night looked like a “load-management” night more than anything. Even with the “off” night, he still produced a highlight.
This is a Nikola Mirotic fan account. Seriously though, he’s been a savior for the Bucks since New Orleans shipped him to them. Against the Kings, he sank five threes and scored 21 points while finishing plus-18 in 27 minutes. His value to the Bucks is going to SOAR in the playoffs.
Khris Middleton added 21 points, six rebounds, and seven assists in 37 minutes of action. It was another off shooting night for him (8-for-20 FG), and a handful of his misses spun in and out of the basket. However, his passing was on full display last night as he converted on multiple flashy passes that led to wide-open shots. Even when he’s not shooting well, he still produces.
Brook Lopez was quiet offensively with seven points, but he did deny six shots. He gets a ton of attention for his marksmanship from deep, but he’s been just as good on defense. If you’re going to challenge Brook Lopez at the rim, you’re gonna have a bad time.
The Bucks made 48.2 percent of their shots while netting 17 threes last night. Milwaukee also handed out 36 assists compared to only 11 turnovers.
