By Harshit
SAN FRANCISCO, JANUARY 8, 2026 —
The Golden State Warriors held firm against a determined late surge from the Milwaukee Bucks, maintaining control through four quarters in a high-intensity NBA regular-season matchup at the Chase Center.
Golden State entered the fourth quarter with a commanding 16-point lead, but Milwaukee refused to fade quietly. Behind sustained pressure and aggressive offensive possessions, the Bucks trimmed the deficit to 13 points, briefly putting the outcome back in question. Despite a slow restart, the Warriors managed the game clock, limited transition chances, and stabilized defensively to keep Milwaukee at bay.
Game Narrative: Warriors Set the Tone Early
Golden State dictated pace from the opening tip, establishing early momentum through perimeter shooting and defensive pressure. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler knocked down key shots in the first quarter, forcing Milwaukee into early timeouts as the Warriors surged ahead.
Milwaukee struggled to find interior efficiency, while Golden State capitalized on spacing and ball movement to build a multi-possession lead. By the end of the first quarter, the Warriors were firmly in control.
Second Quarter: Curry Sparks Separation
The second quarter proved pivotal. Back-to-back three-pointers from Curry widened the gap and forced Milwaukee into defensive adjustments. The Bucks attempted to respond with a short scoring run, but Golden State’s rotations and transition defense consistently halted momentum.
At halftime, the Warriors held a comfortable lead, having limited Milwaukee’s shot quality and controlled tempo.
Third Quarter: Bucks Rally, Warriors Respond
Milwaukee opened the third quarter with increased urgency, cutting into the deficit behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led all scorers with 15 points at that stage. The Bucks briefly threatened to turn the game into a one-possession contest.
However, Golden State responded decisively. Improved defensive pressure, quicker ball movement, and disciplined shot selection allowed the Warriors to re-extend their advantage to 15 points by the end of the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Pressure Without the Breakthrough
The Bucks opened the final quarter pressing hard, cutting the margin to 13 points and forcing Golden State into a cautious restart. With time winding down, Milwaukee relentlessly pursued offensive drives in search of a decisive run.
Golden State weathered the pressure. The Warriors slowed the pace, executed in the half court, and avoided costly turnovers, ensuring the Bucks never closed the gap enough to truly threaten the outcome.
Minute-by-Minute Game Log (Integrated)
1Q
12:00 — Tip-off at Chase Center
10:11 — Warriors jump out to an early lead
8:25 — 5–2 Warriors run forces Bucks timeout
6:13 — Consecutive Golden State baskets extend lead
2:01 — Bucks briefly close the gap
End 1Q — Warriors in control
2Q
12:00 — Warriors lead 37–33
9:56 — Bucks attempt a short run
7:11 — Warriors extend lead with 4–0 burst
5:22 — Curry hits consecutive threes
3:14 — Golden State maintains seven-point edge
Halftime — Warriors firmly ahead
3Q
12:00 — Warriors lead 64–53
9:51 — Golden State maintains control
7:37 — Bucks improve tempo, force timeout
5:13 — Giannis leads Milwaukee push
3:25 — Warriors steady pace
1:25 — Lead returns to 15
End 3Q — Golden State up comfortably
4Q
12:00 — Warriors lead 98–82
Mid-quarter — Bucks cut deficit to 13
Final minutes — Warriors manage clock, secure control