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Was the Milwaukee Bucks Victory Over the Kings a Turning Point for the Offense?
Jan 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts with guard Damian Lillard (0) after scoring a basket in the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu/Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Bucks Bounce Back with Dominant Win Over Kings, Look Ahead to Magic Matchup
The Milwaukee Bucks put on an offensive clinic against the Sacramento Kings, snapping the Kings’ seven-game win streak with a wire-to-wire victory. This was a much-needed bounce-back performance after our disappointing loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge with his 50th career triple-double, posting 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists. His passing was particularly impressive, showcasing his continued growth as a playmaker. One highlight-reel pass to AJ Green stood out, reminding us of Giannis’ ability to make jaw-dropping plays.
Damian Lillard also had an efficient night, going 5-of-8 from three-point range. His ability to hit clutch shots when the Kings threatened to close the gap was crucial in maintaining our lead throughout the game.
Our offense, which has been inconsistent this season, finally clicked on all cylinders. We posted season-highs in points for a quarter, a half, and a game. This offensive explosion is a positive sign as we look to improve our standing in the Eastern Conference.
Looking Ahead to the Magic
Our next challenge comes against the Orlando Magic, a team we’ve had close battles with this season. Despite their injury woes, the Magic have been resilient and continue to find ways to win games. This matchup is particularly important as a win would secure the season series against Orlando and potentially help us in tiebreaker scenarios down the line.
The game against the Magic also presents an opportunity to address our starting lineup configuration. There’s been ongoing debate about whether Andre Jackson Jr. or AJ Green should start alongside our core players. While Jackson brings defensive energy, Green’s shooting and improved defense might provide better spacing and offensive flow.
As we approach the halfway point of the season, every game becomes crucial in the tightly contested Eastern Conference. Currently sitting in the middle of a pack separated by just a few games, we need to capitalize on these head-to-head matchups against potential playoff opponents.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks’ recent performance and upcoming challenges, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
• Detailed analysis of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s playmaking abilities
• Discussion on potential starting lineup changes
• Importance of upcoming games against Eastern Conference rivals
Have potential contenders figured out the Celtics?
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) fouls Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half at TD Garden. | Paul Rutherford/Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It’s always risky, doubting the Celtics. Not for Celtics fans, but for the rest of us. On Friday night, at home, Boston fans booed their team as they let the Kings take an uncontested rebound and take (then make) the same 3-point attempt. The Celtics lost, recording their 11th of the season. That’s only four games more than this time last year.
Going back, Boston recorded most of their losses last season in the winter stretch leading up to All-Star Weekend, the same stretch they’re in now. I would chalk a lot of those losses up to fatigue and deft competition who could sense the Celtics easing up on the gas, if briefly. The Nuggets, Bucks, Cavaliers and (then) white hot Pacers took advantage of those minor slumps. The losses now, though coming this season within the same stretch with the same fatigue taking a portion of the toll, have to do more with opponents figuring out how the Celtics tick.
This season, the Celtics are a known quality. Their brand of basketball last year overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, teams not built to withstand a barrage of incessant 3-point shooting backed by a quick and smothering defence without a moment to recalibrate or catch their breath. Most teams spent entire games, and all their energy, trying to chase Boston off the line. This season the Celtics have slipped to a 7th overall (from 3rd) defensive rating, and are currently 3rd overall (from 1st) in offence — teams have figured them out.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Trade Behind The Buck Pass evaluates a mock trade scenario that would bring a star scoring option to the Bucks. Check out the trade grades and potential impact on the team. (Behind The Buck Pass)
Rumor Who is truly untouchable in the Bucks’ lineup ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline? (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Bucks host the Magic tonight at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Trades Here’s the latest on the NBA trade deadline and rumblings around the league. (The Athletic)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bucks podcasts.
Can the Bucks Slow Down the Kings and Get Back on Track? The Milwaukee Bucks, led by stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, are gearing up for a thrilling showdown against the Sacramento Kings. With NBA Rivals Week on the horizon, the Bucks are set to face off against their designated rival, the Miami Heat.
Examining the Bucks Best Lineups and how to Optimize the Starting Five How are the Milwaukee Bucks are adjusting their strategy with Khris Middleton back in action alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard? The episode dives into the effectiveness of different player groupings, including the promising performances of AJ Green and Andre Jackson Jr.
Can the Milwaukee Bucks maintain their momentum after a blowout win over the Toronto Raptors? With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the charge, the Bucks put together a much needed win over the Toronto Raptors. Explore the dynamics of the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent victory, and what went differently for this team against another sub-.500 opponent. The discussion also highlights Andre Jackson Jr.'s impact and the best role for Khris Middleton.
