Lillard hits first game-winner for Bucks in overtime to down Kings
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Former U.S. Sen., Milwaukee Bucks owner to be celebrated at memorial.
Herb Kohl had a profound impact on Milwaukee and Wisconsin in politics, business and philanthropy. His life will be celebrated Friday at Fiserv Forum.
“That’s what I’m here for.”
With the Milwaukee Bucks down by two with 5.2 seconds left in overtime, Lillard inbound the ball, immediately got it back and raced up court and pulled up from 32 feet and the ball found nothing but net to give the Bucks a thrilling, exhausting 143-142 overtime victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night at Fiserv Forum.
Lillard then raced to halfcourt and did his signature “Dame Time” wrist tap, signaling his first game-winner as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. It was his third career buzzer-beater.
In his on-court postgame interview, Lillard noted he missed some shots earlier but came through when his team needed it.
BOX SCORE: Bucks 143, Kings 142 (overtime)
Lillard hit 2 three-pointers in overtime and hit three free throws to help the Bucks overcome a quick six-point deficit in the extra session, which was forced after the Kings overcame a 12-point deficit with about eight minutes left in regulation.
Lillard scored 29 points on 9-of-23 shooting, including 5 of 13 from behind the three-point line in 41 minutes. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 27 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds while Malik Beasley (23 points), Bobby Portis (22 points, 10 rebounds), Brook Lopez (17 points) and Cam Payne (15) also reach double figures.
The Kings were led by De’Aaron Fox’s 32 points while Domantas Sabonis had his 10th triple-double of the season with 21 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds. Kevin Huerter had 26 points and 10 rebounds while Malik Monk added 28 off the bench.
The Bucks improved to 28-12 in winning their third straight game. The Kings felt to 23-16.
Giannis Antetokounmpo plays through shoulder bruise
The Bucks’ MVP candidate was a late addition to the injury report a couple hours before game time with right shoulder contusion, but after his regular pregame warmup he was cleared to play. Though it was the first time he appeared on the injury report with that issue, he took a hard hit to that shoulder against Houston on Dec. 17 – one that sent him to the floor for a moment to collect his thoughts.
Antetokounmpo, sporting a white compression sleeve on his right shoulder, was needed.
He scored 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting in the first half, with his final basket giving the Bucks a 68-66 lead. He also had six rebounds and five assists. He also hit 3 of 4 free throws in the final seconds of regulation to give the Bucks a chance to win the game, but the Kings were able to make a couple of key baskets late to force overtime.
Antetokounmpo ended up playing over 40 minutes for the third time this season, including the entire five-minute overtime session.
He recorded his fifth triple-double of the season with a 27-point, 10-assist, 10-rebound effort. He was 9 for 16 from the field and 9 for 14…
Read More: Lillard hits first game-winner for Bucks in overtime to down Kings 2024-01-15 02:55:05