By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Starting a demanding four-game road trip, the Milwaukee Bucks repelled a late comeback bid to beat the Sacramento Kings, 115-98.
Initially listed as probable for Sunday’s game, due to right calf injury management, Giannis Antetokounmpo was brilliant for large stretches, imposing his will in the paint, and took over in the fourth quarter to end up with a 37-point, 11-rebound double-double plus one assist. He made 13/17 two-pointers and 11/13 free throws in Golden 1 Center.
The Greek superstar lasted 31:37, the most since his recent return to action. “It was a minute over. We just made the call, ‘leave him in’, because I thought we could put the game away,” noted head coach Doc Rivers in a postgame press conference.
“I’m happy where I am right now. I’m playing solid 28-30 minutes, which I love to, and I’m still able to affect the game,” mentioned Giannis.
His brothers went from Thanasis staying on the bench and Alex on his assignment to the G League affiliate, Wisconsin Herd.
On the opposite side, German reserve Dennis Schroder put up ten of his 13 points in the fourth quarter. With the Kings becoming more and more physical while reducing a 26-point deficit to three points, he also shoved the Freak to the floor, creating several reactions and adding to an enduring rivalry. The 32-year-old guard added five assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
“My body is getting aligned. It’s not aligned yet. It takes me a little while. But at the end of the day, this is where I face a little bit of adversity. Like I feel that their gameplan was to get me on the floor, push me down, be physical with me, and I love it, because it kind of gets me in shape,” Giannis shared on how such situations help in his recovery.
French starter Maxime Raynaud had six points, eight rebounds, and one assist. “He’s really a dominant player, a former MVP, a real leader as well. So, it was a tough matchup, for sure,” the 22-year-old center commented on facing the Greek Freak.
In contrast to Schroder and Raynaud, Croatian Dario Saric did not play, and Lithuanian Domantas Sabonis (left knee partial meniscus tear) remained sidelined for the team coached by Doug Christie.
After missing nine straight games of the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season due to a left ankle sprain, Zach LaVine, a reported trade target of the Bucks, scored 20 points in 35 minutes. “I think there have been trade talks for a lot of teams. I don’t worry about that. That’s your guys’ job to try and put some storyline out there,” the 30-year-old guard commented on rumors.
Following Sacramento, the Bucks continue visits to Western Conference teams with the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, and the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.