Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from 129-128 win over Sacramento Kings

Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez pilot Milwaukee Bucks to victory

Middleton’s prominent struggles were mitigated by the excellent performances the Bucks got out both Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez in their win over Sacramento. They also shared the fact that they had season-highs in scoring, which was critical in light of Middleton’s down night and being without the aforementioned Antetokounmpo.

While Lopez got his night started by sinking a deep triple in the opening minutes, he saved the bulk of his scoring damage directly at the rim. Whether it was his pick-and-roll prowess with Holiday in particular or putting down skilled finishes when touching the paint, Lopez was automatic as he put down all of nine of his shot attempts taken within the arc on the night.

With that serving as his featured contribution, Lopez had 26 points on 11-of-13 shooting (2–for-4 from three), four boards, a pair of blocks and a steal in just over 31 minutes.

Turning our attention over to Holiday, the Bucks’ star guard continues to play at such a high level as he’s gotten back up to speed after having COVID-19.

The 12-year veteran was dialed in straight away scoring the ball as he put down a variety of tough shots off the dribble, whether it was hitting his patented step back jumpers, hitting from three or making his way to the cup to give him 21 points in the first half alone. While he came back down to earth over the second half, it was Holiday who put down the decisive buckets the Bucks needed late before Pat Connaughton’s free throws closed it out against the Kings.

Along with all of that, Holiday was in total control when looking to make feeds to his teammates as he regularly put the ball in the exact areas to generate baskets for others. All while he showed his typical defensive tenacity and toughness on the Kings’ three-headed attack within their backcourt.

All in all, Holiday finished with 33 points on 14-for-23 shooting (3-for-5 from downtown), 11 assists, seven rebounds, two turnovers, a steal and a block each in over 37 minutes for the night. And the Bucks certainly needed every last contribution from the guard to eke out this one and continue their win streak.

The Bucks will have a couple of days off before continuing their road trip out west when they visit the Golden State Warriors Tuesday night at the Chase Center. You’ll be able to catch the action on Bally Sports Wisconsin when it tips off at 9 p.m. CST.