Fox Returns, Kings Fall To Bucks In Second Scrimmage Of Season Restart
Jul 25, 2020, 12:03 PM | Updated: 12:14 pm
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Sacramento had its hands full with the Milwaukee offense, allowing an 80-point first half on Saturday
When the NBA Finals begin on September 30th, there’s a very good chance that the Milwaukee Bucks will be the Eastern Conference representative.
Last year’s MVP–and possibly this year’s MVP as well–Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks routed the Sacramento Kings on Saturday by a final of 131-123 in each team’s second scrimmage of the NBA Season Restart.
Sacramento’s only lead was in the first quarter, when they held a 2-1 lead with 10 minutes left in the period. From that point on, it was all Milwaukee, who at one point led by as many as 29 points.
The Bucks went on a run in the second quarter, outscoring the Kings 42-27 to take a 20-point lead into the break.
Late in the contest, the Kings would battle back and cut the deficit to 123-117 after a Kyle Guy made three-pointer with 3:20 remaining. The Bucks would pull away, securing the win over a shorthanded Sacramento squad.
Point guard De’Aaron Fox returned to the lineup for Sacramento after missing the team’s first scrimmage on Wednesday due to an ankle injury.
Head coach Luke Walton shared with reporters via Zoom on Saturday morning that Fox would play limited minutes in the scrimmage against Milwaukee. Fox played 19 minutes in his return, scoring seven points and dishing six assists in the loss.
“For me it was all about getting out there and getting reps,” Fox said. “I think now I feel my ankle feels a lot better than when I came back earlier in the season.”
“When the game against the Spurs comes up, I’ll be ready.”
Luke Walton shared his optimism on having the star guard back in the fold for the Kings, who will need Fox if they are to make noise in the season restart.
“A big point of today was getting his body under him, getting his feet under him,” Walton said of Fox. “It was good having him back out there.”
Buddy Hield had another strong showing off of the bench, scoring 19 points on eight-of-18 shooting from the field. Kent Bazemore, who scored 11 points in the first quarter, finished with 16 points and eight rebounds for the Kings.
Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed with 13 points, while Corey Brewer scored 12 points over 14 minutes. Da’Quan Jeffries and Cory Joseph each scored 10 points for Sacramento.
Coming Up
The Kings will play in their final tune-up game on Monday when they face the Los Angeles Clippers.
Forward Harrison Barnes is expected to join team practices next week in preparation for the first game of the season restart on Friday, July 31st against the San Antonio Spurs.
Centers Richaun Holmes and Alex Len could be active for Monday’s scrimmage against the Clippers if Walton feels they are where they need to be from a conditioning standpoint.
For all updates and news on the Sacramento Kings upcoming push for a postseason spot, be sure to tune in and follow Sports 1140 KHTK for all of the action.
