Bucks Win: “Dame Time” is ticking with an awesome game-winning three
The Milwaukee Bucks upped their record to (28-12) on the season as they beat the (23-16) Sacramento Kings at home in overtime on a last-second three by Damian Lillard. “Wait a minute?” you might be wondering, “The Bucks played today?”
Yes, they did. It was an awesome game.
And while the Packers were dropping a hammer on Dallas, Milwaukee was involved in your typical NBA Regular Season game: tons of offense and not a ton of defense until the end. Milwaukee had a really nice 3rd quarter and also led at the half. But it was the game-winner in overtime that everyone will remember! Brook Lopez hit a key three and then De’Aaron Fox opened the door by missing a free throw. Damian Lillard brought it down and hit a fadeaway three to his left for the win.
What an awesome day for Wisconsin sports! Someone check to see if the Brewers finally signed a first baseman?
Here is the shot in-case you missed it.
DAMIAN LILLARD FOR THE WIN AT THE BUZZER! pic.twitter.com/VKTFal8Dxo
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 15, 2024
Here are the Three Studs for the Milwaukee Bucks
Adrian Griffin
Coach Griffin coached a great game for Milwaukee. He won a challenge on a questionable Brook Lopez foul. His rotations were solid; the defense was improved.
But in contrast to his opponent, the Head Coach of the Kings Mike Brown, Griffin looked like a savant. Brown was tossed with ten minutes to go for running out on the court, tripping Pat Connaughton, and screaming like a fool. Griffin’s calm, collect-style is certainly helpful in games and moments like that.
His end of the game advice was a little more on-point than it was in the overtime win against the Bulls.
You have to give him credit where credit is due.
Damian Lillard
29 points and the game winning three: that alone would be enough to justify a “stud” award.
But what was key tonight was Lillard converting three free throws on an important foul late in the game. Marques Johnson commented that Lillard was the league-leader in free-throw percentage. It caught me off-guard. So I looked it up and that is not totally correct. Lillard is 3rd right now behind Steph Curry and Paul George. But still, it is important.
At the end of the game it is amazing to have a free-throw shooter like Lillard. Come playoff time that will be key!
He is so clutch!
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Another game, another triple-double.
Giannis dropped 27 on the Kings tonight and Milwaukee needed them all. He played 40 minutes. He is an amazing leader and athlete.
Giannis also had 10 rebounds and an important 10 assists.
Related: Giannis is the greatest living athlete in Wisconsin
Malik Beasley
Malik Beasley had a great game tonight. Beasley scored 23 points, shooting 7-12 from the field and 5-9 from three. He played the role of a primary defender. He also was valuable to distributing the ball and making the extra pass, keeping things moving and not turning over the ball. (He only had one turnover.)
Beasley is going to continue to play a valuable role, whether it is as a starter or in more of a primary bench role when Jae Crowder returns.
Related: Bucks vs Warriors Game Preview
Dud
AJJ (Andre Jackson Jr.)
10 minutes, 5 fouls, and a couple of turnovers do not a good game make. He just never really had much of an opportunity and when he was out there, he looked like a rookie. And that is ok. He is still a rookie.
This is the first time these teams will play this season.
The Milwaukee Bucks play next on Wednesday, January 17th in Cleveland on ESPN.
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