Milwaukee Bucks may have won against the Sacramento Kings but their old problems were still there. Even Doc Rivers think their first half was awful.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Sacramento Kings
Mar 22, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) reacts after making a three point basket against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The Bucks, playing their third straight road game, were listless again to start the game as the surrendered a 25-12 lead in the first quarter. The second half buzzer came and they saw themselves down by 12 points, 61-49.
In the losses to Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors, they went to the locker room trailing by 12 and 14 points, respectively.
Head coach Doc Rivers did not mince words in describing their first half performance.
“I didn’t think we played right,” Rivers told reporters after the game.
“I think we had 17 zero-pass plays in the first half. Second half, we didn’t. We moved the ball better. And even when we moved the ball in the first half the ball didn’t move again where in the second half you saw ping-ping-ping until we found the shooter, so I thought we played with better intentions in the second half.”
Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers
Mar 18, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers disputes a foul call with referee Mark Lindsay during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
They have Giannis Antetokounmpo to thank for that second half surge as he took over in the third quarter by scoring 22 points. He finished with 32 points, 17 rebounds, and two assists.
Milwaukee Bucks’ tough road ahead
The win means the Bucks are still within striking distance for the fourth spot of the Eastern Conference. It is currently occupied by the Indiana Pacers who are 1.0 game above them.
Milwaukee, who did not have Damian Lillard for a second straight game, will now travel to Arizona to face the surging and desperate Phoenix Suns who won their last three, four wins in their last five.
Next up on their schedule after that are Denver Nuggets who will probably have Nikola Jokic by that time. The three-time MVP sat out their last three games due to an ankle injury.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings
Mar 22, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Antetokounmpo already said before that they do not care about not having home advantage in the playoffs. However, their more urgent need right now is being ready for the postseason by building good habits, something that can be achieved by winning.
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