The Sacramento Kings pulled off a dramatic 135-133 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, snapping a decade-long losing streak at Fiserv Forum and sending shockwaves through the early NBA season.
A Nail-Biter to the Final Buzzer
The game was a rollercoaster from the opening tip. The Bucks exploded out of the gate, hitting seven of their first eight shots—including four of five from beyond the arc—to build a commanding 21-6 lead. Milwaukee carried a 47-36 advantage into the first quarter, but the Kings clawed back, tying the game at 70-all by halftime on back-to-back threes from Dennis Schroder and Zach LaVine.
The third quarter belonged to Sacramento, who outscored the Bucks 38-31 to take a 108-102 lead into the final period. But Milwaukee wasn’t done. Giannis Antetokounmpo, returning from left knee soreness, poured in 11 straight points late in the fourth, including a breakaway dunk that cut the Kings’ lead to 131-129.
The Final Moments: Chaos and Clutch Free Throws
With just 51 seconds left, Miles Turner’s corner three trimmed the deficit to 133-132. DeMar DeRozan missed a pullup jumper, but the Bucks failed to capitalize when Giannis turned the ball over with a poor pass. Dennis Schroder then stepped up and calmly sank two free throws with 14.8 seconds left, putting the Kings up 135-132.
A.J. Green missed a three-pointer on Milwaukee’s final possession, and after Green hit one of two free throws with 1.1 seconds left, the Bucks couldn’t secure the rebound. The Kings escaped with a heart-stopping win.
Star Performances and Key Stats
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Zach LaVine: 31 points
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DeMar DeRozan: 29 points
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Domantas Sabonis: 24 points, 13 rebounds
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Dennis Schroder: 24 points, including the game-clinching free throws
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Giannis Antetokounmpo: 26 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists in 32 minutes
The Kings, who trailed by as many as 15 points, showed resilience and poise in the clutch. Their ability to weather Milwaukee’s late surge and capitalize on key mistakes proved decisive.
What This Means for Both Teams
The win marks a significant milestone for Sacramento, ending a 10-year drought in Milwaukee and giving them a much-needed boost after a shaky start to the season. For the Bucks, the loss snaps a two-game winning streak and raises questions about their ability to close out tight games.
Both teams are now 2-4 on the season, but the Kings’ momentum could be shifting as they prepare to face the Denver Nuggets on Monday. The Bucks, meanwhile, will look to regroup before hosting the Indiana Pacers.
Expert Commentary
“Sacramento’s composure in the final minutes was impressive,” said ESPN analyst Doug Christie in a postgame interview. “They didn’t panic when Giannis went on his run. Schroder’s free throws were ice-cold, and that’s what separates good teams from great ones.”
Looking Ahead
The Kings’ victory is a reminder that the NBA is as unpredictable as ever. With star power on both sides and a season still young, every game could be a turning point. Fans will be watching closely as these teams continue their journeys.
Sources
1. Kings 135-133 Bucks (1 Nov, 2025) Game Recap - ESPN.com
2. Sports Betting Lines Online | Best Betting Scores and Odds - Lines ...
3. Bucks fall 135-133 to Sacramento - Wisco Sports Zone
4. kings vs grizzlies - WebNovel
5. Kings-Bucks REVIEW! Kings End 10-Year Drought in Milwaukee
6. The Latest Sacramento Kings News | SportSpyder
7. DeMar DeRozan & Zach LaVine Were COOKING vs Bucks - YouTube
8. Kings GM Scott Perry Gets Honest About New-Look Roster
9. okc vs kings - WebNovel
