The Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo (center) gets fouled by the Golden State Warriors Andrew Wiggins (22) with Cory Joseph (1) in the first half at Fiserv Arena in Milwaukee on Sat Jan 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (18-21) fought tooth and nail throughout the game but the Milwaukee Bucks (27-12) made a final push in the late fourth quarter winning the game 129-118 Saturday night.

The second place Bucks proved to be too hot to handle although the Warriors led at the half and challenged Milwaukee throughout the entire game. It was not until the final three minutes of the game that the Bucks took this game away.

Game recap: The Warriors lost the opening quarter 33-24 but they poured it on in the second quarter. With under five minutes left in the half, Golden State was outscoring the Bucks 26-13. The Warriors took a 53-48 lead with under three minutes left on the clock.

 Golden State was taking care of the ball in the first half of this game with only two turnovers. At the half, the Warriors had a slim lead 56-54. Trayce Jackson-Davis had the high score in the first half, the only player for the Warriors with double digits, shooting for ten points.

With under five minutes left in the third quarter the Bucks took back the lead 75-72 after trailing for much of the quarter. The Warriors had led by as much as seven points in this quarter as this game remained a real roller coaster with the two teams trading the lead. After three quarters, the Bucks had a 83-81 lead and this game was going down to the wire.

The Milwaukee Bucks began to create a little separation in the final three minutes of the game. As the clock began the countdown to the games end, the Bucks took a twelve point lead 122-110. With a minute left on the game clock Milwaukee finished off the Warriors 129-118.

Jonathan Kuminga did a great job off the bench, keeping the Warriors in this game. He had the game high with 28 points. Brandin Podziemski finished with 23 points, ten rebounds and Klay Thompson had 21 points for the game. 

The Warriors had a clear chance to win this game despite being shorthanded. For their next game against the Grizzlies there is an outside chance that Draymond Green will take the court. A better bet would be next Wednesdays game against the Jazz when we may see Green play again

Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 33 for the Bucks. Damien Lillard had 27 points and Khris Middleton with 24 points. When push came to shove, the Bucks really showed up.

Post game notes: Friday night the Warriors had a great win over the Chicago Bulls dominating in the third quarter which eventually led to a 140-131 win. Saturday night they faced an even greater challenge taking on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. They attempted to contain Antetokounmpo and company but they were too much for Golden State overpowering them in the fourth quarter 46-37 to pretty much put the Warriors out of commission.

The Bucks had a decisive win Friday night over the first place Boston Celtics 135-102. Milwaukee is currently in second place in the Eastern Division behind the Celtics. The Warriors rested guard Stephen Curry for this game starting Podziemski in his place. The decision was made not to play Curry on consecutive nights.

Monday night the Warriors will take on the Memphis Grizzlies as they continue their road trip. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 3:00 PM.