MILWAUKEE _ The Kings again demonstrated how far they have come in recent weeks, but the Milwaukee Bucks continue to prove why they have the best record in the NBA.
Khris Middleton had 28 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists to help the Bucks beat the Kings 123-111 on Monday night at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Eric Bledsoe posted 28 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the Bucks (46-7), who won despite the absence of reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Harrison Barnes scored a team-high 23 points for the Kings (21-32), who had won six of their last eight games. De'Aaron Fox had 17 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.
The Kings started slowly and trailed 38-24 at the end of the first quarter. The Bucks shot 51.6% from the field and knocked down 5 of 12 from 3-point range in the opening period while the Kings missed eight of their first nine from beyond the arc.
Sacramento closed the gap early in the second quarter and continued to battle back. The Kings got within five on a 3-pointer by Barnes, cut the deficit to three on a 3-pointer by Hield and carried a 58-57 lead into the halftime break.
The third quarter featured six ties and six lead changes. The Kings led 90-88 at the end of the third, but the Bucks took control after starting the fourth quarter with a 12-0 run.
Milwaukee shot 44.8% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range. Sacramento was held to 41.6-percent shooting from the field and 32.6-percent shooting from beyond the arc.
