The Kings achieved their first victory in summer league yesterday, beating the Milwaukee Bucks 69 to 65 despite playing without either De’Aaron Fox or Buddy Hield. They even lost Frank Mason III early on in the game as he tweaked his ankle. Fortunately, x-rays for Mason came back negative.

The Kings won largely on the backs of their big men, who finally broke out. Skal Labissiere scored a game-high 19 points to go with 9 boards, 3 steals and 2 blocks and Georgios Papagiannis added 17 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks and at least three unnecessary gather dribbles (seriously just attack the rim Papa!).

The lack of real size on Milwaukee’s end of the court was readily apparent, especially with Thon Maker out. The Kings took advantage with both Skal and Papagiannis looking to attack often. With Sacramento’s main guard weapons out, they got more opportunities than they had all summer and made the most of it. Papagiannis in particular showcased his touch on hooks, even hitting a bank shot hook from about 15 feet out on the side.

The lack of a real Point Guard to lead the way after Mason left the game was readily apparent. Naz Mitrou-Long took over most of those duties, but he’s really more of an undersized two-guard. Justin Jackson, who had a poor shooting game at just 2 for 14 from the field, actually led the team in assists with 5, and guard Luis Montero had 4.

The sequence of the game had to be towards the end when Justin Jackson got to the rim with the Kings down by 2 but just missed. Fortunately Papagiannis was right there and stuffed it back in with one hand to tie the game. The Kings eventually went on to win it.

This victory sets up a potentially exciting matchup tonight, as the Kings move on to face the Mavericks and their new dynamo Dennis Smith, Jr. If both Fox and Smith play, it will be a fun back and forth to watch.