Milwaukee Bucks Kyle Kuzma (18) commits a foul on the Sacramento Kings Zach LaVine (8) in first half action at Fiserv Arena in Milwaukee on Sat Nov 1, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (2-4) played a miserable first quarter trailing 47-36 before turning this game completely around outscoring the Milwaukee Bucks (4-2) in the second and third quarters before tucking this game away in a nail-biter in the fourth quarter 135-133.

This was the Bucks first home loss of the season. The Kings had four of their starters finishing with 20+ points with Zach LaVine leading the way with 31 points.

Game recap: Unlike every game played this season so far, the Kings had a horrible start falling behind 15-2 early in the first quarter. The largest lead for the Bucks was 15 as Sacramento struggled throughout the entire opening quarter.

The Bucks were shooting over 70% from the field and they were seven of ten from beyond the arc for 70%. As the first 12 minutes of play came to an end the Kings trailed 47-36. The Kings were shooting almost 54% from the field but were getting stomped from outside. They had only hit a single three while the Bucks finished the quarter eight of 13. Sacramento had a single turnover in the game in the first quarter.

The Kings had a better start in the second quarter pulling to within six points 49-43 early in the quarter. The Bucks turned that around pulling back ahead by double figures and again the Kings continued to get outplayed trailing 59-45 at the eight minute mark.

The Kings made a push with 4:34 left in the quarter trailing by three points 57-60. Sacramento had really turned things around displaying a lot of confidence going on a nice run and cutting a significant deficit.

The Kings had made defensive adjustments and made this a highly competitive game. Had it not been for some sloppy ill-timed turnovers by Sacramento this game could have been even closer with Sacramento taking the lead into the locker room at the half.

Despite that the Kings had really pulled it all together as the score at the half had Sacramento trailing by a single point 71-70. They had outscored the Bucks in the second quarter 34-24 after getting scorched in the first.

The Kings got the third quarter underway taking their first lead of the game after trailing by as much as 15 points. The Bucks long shots had cooled off and the Kings began to hit shots from beyond the arc.

At 9:45 in the quarter this game was tied at 78. At 8:01 the game remained a tie now at 81. At the seven minute mark the Kings took their largest lead of the game 86-83. This game took an unexpected turn when at 4:07 the Kings had a 97-87 lead.

They had gone on a 10-0 run playing at a high offensive level. Doc Rivers took the second timeout of the quarter trying to re-group and put the stops on the surging Kings. Sacramento went on to outscore the Bucks in the third quarter 38-31 leading after three 108-102.

The question now remained, can the Sacramento Kings finish this game? The Kings have seen themselves self-destruct in the final minutes of numerous games this season. After starting this game in terrible fashion they would need to finish the game on a high note, the fourth quarter would be a battle.

Sacramento had led by double figures in much of the third quarter but the Bucks had begun to creep into the fourth trailing by single digits. With 3:54 left in the game, the Kings called a time-out looking to protect their 126-119 lead.

The Kings called another time-out with three minutes left in the game and a slim 128-123 lead. With just over two minutes left on the clock the wheels began to come off for the Kings. They were able to deny the Milwaukee push and were able to finish the game.

The Sacramento Kings held on to win the game 135-133 for their second win this season and it was a great win for the team after so many close games and disappointing fourth quarters.

Domantas Sabonis had a season high 24 points and 13 rebounds, a double double. Zach LaVine had the team high of 31 points and DeMar DeRozan finished with 29 points. Dennis Schroeder had 24 points in a game in which the Bucks shot around 60%.

The Kings had ten turnovers and shot 87% from the line. This was certainly a ray of hope for Sacramento playing three amazing quarters after opening the game on such a sour note. They fought to the end, finished the game and were rewarded with the win despite being the underdogs.

Game notes: The Kings have had a rough start this season. They were in the middle of a challenging road trip taking on the elite teams in the NBA but the win against the Bucks on this trip after losing in Chicago Wednesday was a game where they met the challenge.

They have had hot starts in most of these games, they have led deep into the fourth quarter on occasion but have been unable to finish as their season record indicates. They have a core of seasoned veterans that can get the job done but they have fallen just short in every game they have played with the exception of their one win over the Utah Jazz.

Saturday they took on another of the league’s best, the Bucks at Fiserv Forum and came away with a two point win handing the Bucks their first loss on their home floor. The Bucks are smart, efficient and were highly favored in this game but in the end they couldn’t hold on.

This had been a brutal stretch for the Kings who lost the first two games to start the trip and there are more bumps in the road as this road trip continues but the win against the Bucks was a sweet win for the Kings who never gave up.

Unfortunately for Sacramento Malik Monk will missed Saturday’s game with a personal issue. The Kings leaned on Russell Westbrook, Keon Ellis and Devin Carter in his absence.

Monday night the Kings will finish off this demanding road trip taking on the Denver Nuggets. They will be looking to take the energy and confidence from this win into Ball Arena. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.