What we learned from the Milwaukee Bucks' pulsating win over the Sacramento Kings

The Bucks stuck with it and got rewarded in the end.

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Damian Lillard hit an incredible three-pointer right before the final buzzer to lift the Milwaukee Bucks past the Sacramento Kings, 143-142, in a game that will likely end up as one of the season’s best. Here are two takeaways from the Bucks’ come-from-behind win.

Bucks always have a chance

Things didn’t look good for the Bucks as they not only lost an eight-point lead late in the fourth quarter but also trailed by six, 134-128, at the 2:57 mark of overtime. However, Milwaukee did not waver in the face of such a deficit. Instead, they leaned on their explosive offense to get them back and eventually win the game at the buzzer.

"With the guys we have on the court, we have a chance anytime," Malik Beasley said.

"(Connaughton) hit a big three, Brook hit a big three, and that's not even with Khris (Middleton) playing tonight. Then we got Dame and Giannis. I think we feel confident no matter how much we're down or what the time limit is on the clock. So, I think we just kept composed and kept playing."

THIS IS WHAT DAME DOES. ⌚️ pic.twitter.com/zwNfpQxOG0

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 15, 2024

Kings miss their chances

Sacramento had numerous chances to put the Bucks away, as Malik Monk earned a trip to the charity stripe with the Kings up four, 141-137, with 18.1 seconds remaining. However, Monk—an 87 percent shooter from the line this season—missed both attempts, leading to a huge corner triple by Brook Lopez that trimmed the deficit to only one, 141-140.

"I was just trying to get spacing," Lopez said. "Because Giannis is always pushing downcourt."

Brook from the corner! pic.twitter.com/L4MhTtrcvA

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 15, 2024

The Kings had another chance to put more separation between them and the Bucks after De’Aaron Fox got fouled and was sent to the line with only five seconds remaining. But Fox split his charities, setting the stage for Lillard’s heroic shot.

Damian Lillard's buzzer-beating triple lifts the Milwaukee Bucks over the Sacramento Kings