The Golden State Warriors secured a hard-fought 96-88 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on March 18, 2025, at the Chase Center. With both Stephen Curry (rest) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (injury) sidelined, the game was a battle of resilience, with key role players stepping up for both teams.
A Game of Runs: Warriors Take Early Control
The Warriors came out strong, outscoring the Bucks 32-27 in the first quarter and extending their lead to 58-44 by halftime. Jimmy Butler III led the charge, efficiently orchestrating the offense and getting to the free-throw line at will.
Meanwhile, the Bucks struggled offensively, shooting just 20% from three-point range in the first half. Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton combined for just 15 points on 5-of-17 shooting, making it difficult for Milwaukee to keep pace.
Bucks Fight Back But Fall Short
The third quarter saw a shift in momentum, as Milwaukee went on a 32-20 run, cutting the Warriors’ lead to 78-76 heading into the final period. Kyle Kuzma provided a much-needed offensive spark, finishing with 22 points on an efficient shooting night.
However, the Warriors responded in the fourth quarter with a defensive masterclass, holding the Bucks to just 12 points in the final 12 minutes. Draymond Green anchored the defense, grabbing key rebounds and making crucial stops to seal the victory.
Key Performances
Golden State Warriors:
Jimmy Butler III: 24 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, perfect 11-of-11 from the free-throw line.
Draymond Green: Defensive leader with 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and game-sealing defensive plays.
Jonathan Kuminga: 15 points, showcasing his athleticism and energy off the bench.
Milwaukee Bucks:
Kyle Kuzma: 22 points, 5 rebounds, leading the team in scoring.
Damian Lillard: 20 points, 6 assists, despite a slow first half.
Brook Lopez: 14 points, 8 rebounds, providing interior presence.
What This Means for Both Teams
The Warriors improve to 39-29, strengthening their position in the competitive Western Conference playoff race.
The Bucks drop to 38-30, needing to bounce back quickly to maintain their standing in the East.
The biggest question now is: When will Curry and Giannis return? Both teams will need their superstars back as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.
For highlights and analysis, check out the full game recap here:
Golden State Warriors vs. Milwaukee Bucks FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
Final Thoughts: A Gritty Win Without the Stars
This game was a testament to team depth and defensive toughness. The Warriors proved they can win without Curry, while the Bucks showed resilience despite missing Giannis. Both teams remain strong contenders for the postseason, and when fully healthy, they could be serious threats for an NBA title.