Who killed Bambi? The Knicks, 127-98

Tonight at the Fiserv Forum, the visiting Knicks (38*-22) took on the suddenly hot Bucks (26-32), which we never saw coming given their gawky adolescent phase. Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Deer had won eight of ten and clipped some of the league’s best along the way. Conversely, the unpredictable Knicks had alternated between world-beaters and egg-beaters since the All-Star break. Which Knicks team would show up for the last night of their three-game road trip? The winning one! Final score, 127-98.

The Knicks started slow, but then blasted off behind Jalen Brunson’s 22-point first quarter. J.B. mixed it up with jumpers, multiple triples, and free throws, missing only one of his 10 field goal attempts. His roomie Josh Hart provided a three, a transition finish, and a block that sparked an improved defensive effort that included steals from OG Anunoby (24 PTS, 5-7 3PT, 2 STL) and Mikal Bridges (10 PTS, 2 STL, 2 BLK).

Milwaukee tried to stay competitive with buckets from Ryan Rollins (13 PTS) and Myles Turner (19 PTS, 4 RBS), but they mostly huffed New York’s exhaust. Although Karl-Anthony Towns (17 PTS, 13 RBS) was scoreless in the quarter, the ‘Bockers whupped the home team in the paint (12-2), shot 6-of-9 from deep, and committed just one turnover to Milwaukee’s five. Heading into the second frame, their lead was 38-30.

Congratulations to Cap for scoring 7,000 points as a Knick and doing so in 265 games. He finished the night with 27 points on 11-of-17 from the field, 4-of-6 from deep.

To open the second period, coach Mike Brown went with Jose Alvarado (7 PTS, 5 AST), Bridges, Mohamed Diawara (10 PTS), Anunoby, and Towns. Mo buried a three to cap an 8–0 run and strengthen the case for more playing time . . . then the rook picked up two fouls and prompted Brown to try the Towns-Mitchell Robinson attack instead. Karl finally registered on the scoresheet, and although Porter answered with a few midrange jumpers, Milwaukee couldn’t trim their deficit to single digits.

When Brunson returned, the Knicks rolled on. They incinerated the nets, and their defense put the hammer down, with steals, deflections, rebounds, and blocks. A late 10-0 run pushed New York’s lead to 20 and forced coach Doc Rivers to call a third timeout. After that, KAT and Landry Shamet (15 PTS) stepped into the scoring spotlight, and by intermission, New York was up 77-57. That’s their second-highest scoring first-half total of the season.

The Knicks cruised through the half by shooting 61% from the field (59% from three, 13-of-22), limiting the Bucks to 54% overall, forcing nine turnovers that led to 14 points the other way, and scoring 18 fast-break points. They doubled Milwaukee in the paint (24-12), dished 20 assists on 28 makes, and blocked four shots. Milwaukee had zero steals. After two quarters, Brunson led all scorers with 25 points, and Turner had 18 for the home team.

OG Anunoby hit three three-pointers for the Knicks’ first nine points of the second half and scored 15 in the quarter. Soon after OG’s explosion, Brunson got dinged for his first technical foul of the year when AJ Green violated his landing space, but no whistle blew. Things got a little wobbly for our heroes. The Bucks cut a 24-point deficit to 15 thanks to nine points by Kyle Kuzma. Rather than losing their grip on the rope, New York regained it by returning to the tactics that had worked so well earlier—great defense, ball movement, and shot selection. In a flash, they went up by 22 again. Porter and Kuzma hit back-to-back longballs, but their spark never caught fire.

To close out the quarter, Mitch blocked Portis, and Diawara sank two freebies, giving the visitors a 103-83 advantage.

The fourth quarter began with five more points from Diawara and another Anunoby trey. Milwaukee got some push from Portis and Cam Thomas, but Bridges took his turn, splashing in some buckets to stretch the lead to 29.

With the game well in hand, both teams emptied their benches around the 6:13 mark. Tyler Kolek received a nice ovation. Jeremy Sochan, Ariel Hukporti, Trey Jemison, and Jordan Clarkson also checked in for New York, while Gary Trent, Jr. and Thanasis Antetokounmpo stretched their legs for Milwaukee. From there, it was all cardio. Great game, and just when we forgot how enjoyable easy wins are.

Up Next

Back to MSG to host the San Antonio Spurs in an early matinee. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

* Should be one more, but what NBA Cup Final?