Bucks battle bumps and bruises beating Kings

SACRAMENTO, CA (WITI) -- With 3 key players sitting out because of injury, the Bucks bench was short, but it didn't keep them from beating the Sacramento Kings 115-113 Sunday night.

Larry Sanders, J.J. Redick and Ersan Ilyasova all were out with minor injuries. But Gustavo Ayon was able to fill some space in the middle and drop in 12 points in a 12 minute span to help push the Bucks to a 61-50 lead at the half.

In the 2nd half, it was a combined effort from Monta Ellis and Mike Dunleavy that was the difference. Ellis finished with 29 points, 10 in the 4th quarter and Dunleavy added 14 of his 16 in the 2nd half.

Many guys chipped in to give the Bucks a 2-1 trip through California. Brandon Jennings had 16 along with 8 assists and both Ekpe Udoh and Samuel Dalembert finished with 10 points.

The Bucks moved within 1 1/2 game of the 7th place Atlanta Hawks in the conference standings.

Tuesday the Bucks will host Dallas before heading to Washington on Wednesday.