A Royal Pain
Fansided

Despite 22 From Z-Bo, Sacramento Kings Fall To Bucks

By Jonathan Roberts

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 22: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings puts up a shot against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks on March 22, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 22: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings puts up a shot against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks on March 22, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Forty-one combined points from Zach Randolph and Buddy Hield was not enough for the Sacramento Kings as they fell 109-104 in Milwaukee.

Sacramento’s problems on offense happened immediately after tip as they quickly fell behind 14-2. It was an ugly night for most of the evening as no starters from Sacramento scored until midway through the second quarter. Due to the rough start, falling behind 33-25 in the first, the Kings lost some ground and went into the half down 63-52.

The Kings ended the half shooting over 51% from the floor, but came out flat in the second half shooting just 8-21 (38%) in the third period, resulting in trailing 88-76 after three.

A massive fourth-quarter run from the Kings, however, kept the match close down the stretch. Sacramento used a 19-4 run to cut the Bucks’ lead to just one point with under two minutes left in the game before the magic ran out. A couple of late free throws from Giannis Antetekumpo pushed the lead to 106-101 and out of reach for Sacramento.

While De’Aaron Fox and Garrett Temple were solid, the struggles of the Kings’ starting lineup is something Joerger must address. Performances by Zach Randolph (22 points/7 rebounds), Buddy Hield (19 points), Bogdan Bogdanovic (9 points/4 rebounds), and Frank Mason III (13 points) off the bench were reasons Sacramento had a chance late.

Takeaways:

Mason III has played himself into the rotation while George Hill’s continued struggles make it harder to keep justifying giving him minutes.

Willie Cauley-Stein left the game in the second quarter due to a back strain and did not return. It is not clear how serious it is or if he will miss any time.

Buddy Hield has continued his scorching hot play off the bench pouring in 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists for the night on 6-12 (50%) shooting from the floor and 4-6 (66.7%) from three. Hield has been a monster off the bench since losing his starting role. It will be curious to see if his play has earned him a starting spot again.

Skal Labissiere was in foul trouble early which cleared the way for JaKarr Sampson to see playing time. Sampson finished 4 points and 3 rebounds in 25 minutes of action.

Starters for the Kings shot just 11/28, combining for 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Home/Kings News