With an important win on Wednesday in Sacramento, the Milwaukee Bucks moved into sixth place out East. As things really heat up in playoff races around the league, that leaves the Bucks just one game behind the Atlanta Hawks, their opponent on Friday, for the fifth spot.
The first Milwaukee bucket of the game was a Thon Maker turnaround short hook. The Kings got off to a good start, taking a 12-8 lead behind an aggressive Buddy Hield and Willie Cauley-Stein. Giannis Antetokounmpo then took over and helped Milwaukee jump ahead for a 19-16 lead with three minutes to play in the quarter.