The Kings find themselves at a respectable 36-27 record this season, currently holding the 7th spot in the competitive Western Conference. Despite a remarkable performance from Domantas Sabonis, who recorded an impressive 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists while shooting an outstanding 90.9% from the field, the Kings fell short against the Houston Rockets, concluding with a final score of 112-104 this past Sunday. Now, they face the perinatal Eastern standout Bucks, a team that boasts a 42-23 record, possessing the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee arrives in Sacramento with momentum, having clinched victories in seven of their last nine games. As they wrap up their four game California road trip, the Bucks aim to build on their recent successes after splitting their first four games that saw a win against the Clippers but suffering defeats at the hands of the Warriors and the Lakers.

The Bucks beat the Kings, 143 to 142, on January 14. This will be their last meeting of the season.

Bland Home Cooking

The aftermath of the Sacramento Kings’ disheartening loss to the Houston Rockets on Sunday left Malik Monk visibly frustrated. Monk expressed his discontent with the team’s persistent struggles, particularly at home, during Monday’s practice, stating, “When we were up a little bit against an under-.500 team — even though the [Rockets] are in the NBA — we’re supposed to beat those teams, and that’s been our struggle all year.” Monk’s frustration extended to the team’s performance in front of the home crowd.. Despite a 17-12 record at home throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, the Kings have dropped winnable games, including matchups against shorthanded opponents like the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls.

As the Kings prepare to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, Monk remains optimistic about the team’s ability to rise to the occasion against formidable competition. Reflecting on the season, Monk noted, “As a team, I think we play better against better competition. I don’t know why. I wish I knew; we probably would’ve had it figured out by now.” The Kings, currently holding the 7th seed in the Western Conference, trail the Phoenix Suns by just 0.5 games for the coveted 6th seed. Monk emphasized the need for a turnaround, stating, “I think we’ll turn it around. If not, we’re not going to be in the postseason. So, it’s whatever we want.” With the Western Conference playoff race heating up, Monk highlighted the team’s mentality of hitting first, playing harder, winning 50-50 balls, and staying focused on their core principles.

What’s Up, Doc?

The Bucks’ dynamic duo of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo played pivotal roles, with Lillard delivering an outstanding performance of 35 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, while Antetokounmpo contributed 34 points, ten assists, and seven rebounds. Capitalizing on the absence of Clippers stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the Bucks rebounded from recent losses to Golden State and the Los Angeles Lakers. The win propelled Milwaukee back to the second spot in the Eastern Conference with a 42-23 record, surpassing the Cleveland Cavaliers after their loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Lillard scored 16 crucial points in the fourth quarter, including nine consecutive points during a pivotal stretch. The Clippers, missing the firepower of George and Leonard, received notable contributions from Norman Powell (26 points), Ivica Zubac (18 points), and Terance Mann (16 points). The Bucks are now 2-0 against the Clippers this season and complete the sweep.

Since taking over as the Milwaukee Bucks’ coach in late January, Doc Rivers has been instrumental in transforming the team’s defensive standing, leading them on a six-game winning streak and the NBA’s best defensive rating after the All-Star break. Lillard attested to Rivers’ communicative coaching style, stating, “It’s a lot of talking with Doc. Sometimes we get on the court and we’re supposed to be starting practice, and Doc will talk for 15 minutes straight.” Despite a rocky start under Rivers, with a 3-7 record in the first 10 games, the Bucks have turned things around. Under Rivers’ guidance, the team has significantly improved its defensive performance, achieving that six-game winning streak, included four consecutive games allowing fewer than 100 points – a feat not seen since February 2018.