THE Milwaukee Bucks continued to roll after scorching hot in the second quarter to cruise past the struggling Sacramento Kings, 116-98, at the Golden 1 Center on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time).
Milwaukee closed out the first half strong with 35-18 run to take a 19-point lead at the break as the Bucks sank eight of their 16 three pointers in the second quarter. Sacramento got no closer than 14 the rest of the way with the Bucks continuing their hot shooting from beyond the arc in the second half to coast to victory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the rampage with 32 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two steals for the Bucks (36-35), winners of two in a row and tied at sixth with the Indiana Pacers while a game over the 8th seed Miami Heat (35-36) in the East.
Greg Monroe added 15 markers off the bench, while Khris Middleton and Mirza Teletovic each sank three triples and finished with 13 points apiece.
The Bucks have won 10 of their last 12 games to move half a game behind fifth place Atlanta in a tight East playoff race.
Buddy Hield matched his career best scoring output with 21 points for the Kings, who have lost three straight to fall to 27-44. Tyreke Evans came off the bench and fired 18 markers.