By Stefan Djordjevic/ info@eurohoops.net
The Milwaukee Bucks were pretty much on point in their first scrimmage in Orlando but they’ve stepped it up a notch in the second as they logged a 131-123 win over the Sacramento Kings.
The Bucks didn’t waste any time, looking like they’re set on finishing the job already in the first half. And they did.
Milwaukee shot 54.3% from the field through the first two quarters and nailed 13 threes while also taking over the control in the paint. All of it totaled to 80 points while keeping the Kings on 60.
Giannis Antetokounmpo proved to be too big of a bite for Sacramento’s defense which sent him to the lane far too often, He made 11 free throws on his way to 15 points while grabbing nine rebounds and dishing six assists.
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He spent less than 16 minutes on the court as was the case for Khris Middleton who logged 11 points and seven rebounds. Neither of them got back on the floor for the rest of the game as coach Mike Budenholzer stayed true to his intention to give his duo some rest.
Nonetheless, the Bucks had enough firepower led by Brook Lopez and Kyle Korver and without much trouble brought the game to a calm end, despite Sacramento softening the blow later down the clock.
Lopez was outstanding with 21 points on 4-6 from deep, five blocks, four rebounds and two steals in 20 minutes. Korver followed with 22 points including five threes, some of which frustrated defenders that made sure to contest properly, but to no avail.
For the Kings, Buddy Hield scored 19 followed by Kent Bazemore with 16 while Bogdan Bogdanovic had 13 points. Corey Brewer added 12 and Nemanja Bjelica 11 points.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Lakers, despite going up 35-19 after the first quarter, came out with a harder than expected 119-112 win.
A big reason for the LA squad falling off was Anthony Davis leaving the game after getting poked in the eye in the first quarter.
The Magic had problems of their own as Wes Iwundu suffered a heavy fall to the floor which included blood. He suffered left eye laceration and didn’t return.
Kyle Kuzma stepped up for the occasion with 25 points on 5-7 from deep and 10-13 from the field while LeBron James logged 20 points and seven assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope helped with 17 points.
For the Magic, DJ Augustin led the effort with 21 points while Michael Carter-Williams added 15 and Aaron Gordon 14 points. Nikola Vucevic had ten and Evan Fournier seven points.