In a nail-biting contest on Sunday night, Damian Lillard showcased his clutch prowess, sinking a decisive 3-pointer with 1.6 seconds remaining in overtime, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a hard-fought 143-142 victory over the visiting Sacramento Kings.
De’Aaron Fox led all scorers with an impressive 32 points, including a buzzer-beating layup that forced overtime. The Kings mounted a late surge in the extra period, securing a 141-137 lead with just 33.9 seconds on the clock, courtesy of three hoops from Fox.
The Kings seemed on the brink of victory when Lillard missed a 3-pointer, but Malik Monk’s subsequent missed free throws gave the Bucks a lifeline. Brook Lopez capitalized on the opportunity, sinking a 3-pointer to narrow the gap to 141-140 with 11.5 seconds left. Despite Fox’s missed free throw with 5.2 seconds to go, Lillard’s long-range heroics secured the dramatic win for Milwaukee.
The Bucks, recording their third consecutive win and second in two nights, were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s triple-double performance. Antetokounmpo contributed 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, displaying his all-around excellence. Malik Beasley added 23 points, Bobby Portis scored 22, and Lillard finished with 29 points and eight assists.
The game featured an impressive showing from Domantas Sabonis of the Kings, who recorded his 10th triple-double of the season with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 15 assists. Malik Monk stepped up with 28 points, while Kevin Huerter notched a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Harrison Barnes contributed 14 points for Sacramento, but the team ultimately fell short.
Fittingly, the game’s outcome was influenced by free throws, with the Kings receiving 12 fewer attempts than the Bucks and being outscored 27-15 from the stripe. Despite the Kings’ resilience, the Bucks held a narrow 68-66 lead at halftime, with four players scoring in double figures. The thrilling contest demonstrated the resilience of both teams, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until Lillard’s game-winning shot sealed the victory for Milwaukee.
