By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Milwaukee Bucks cruised past the New York Knicks, 146-122, and booked a ticket to the NBA In-Season Tournament semifinal round last December 6, 2023.
Giannis Antetokounmpo owned New York once again after dominating his way with 35 big points built from an efficient 15/22 shooting from the field.
Aside from his consistent offensive performance, the “Greek Freak” also stuffed the stat sheets after tallying 10 assists, eight rebounds, and three steals in just 33 minutes of playing time.
The Bucks had to survive the waxing-hot Julius Randle who helped the Knicks stay within striking distance after shooting a perfect 9/9 from the field.
Randle got it going from the get-go after hitting a couple of perimeter jump shots while also embracing his tough matchup with Antetokounmpo down the block.
However, Milwaukee had another effective in-game adjustment when the second half kicked off, providing quick help defensive schemes in the paint while also forcing Jalen Brunson to take tough shots.
After their defense rewarded them with several fast break points, the Bucks just blew the game wide open and were hitting from all cylinders.
Milwaukee outscored the Knicks in both the third and the fourth frames, 37-24, 34-26, respectively, and were already ahead by double digits midway through the final canto.
New York attempted for a comeback after putting Randle back in with six minutes still left in the game but the duo of Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard proved to be too much for the Knicks.
Lillard backstopped Antetokounmpo with 28 points built from 5/7 shooting from the three-point area while and a 7/8 shooting from the charity stripe.
On the other hand, Randle top-scored the game with 41 points on 14/19 shooting alongside six rebounds and five assists.
With the victory, the Bucks just arranged an NBA In-Season tourney semis matchup with the Indiana Pacers who ousted the Boston Celtics a couple of days ago.
