NEW YORK — Giannis Antetokounmpo’s all-around brilliance was on full display as he led the Milwaukee Bucks to a commanding 130-111 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday. Antetokounmpo finished with 28 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds, while Bobby Portis contributed a double-double with 23 points and 11 boards. This win marked the Bucks’ seventh consecutive victory and their ninth straight win over the Knicks.
Khris Middleton also played a key role, scoring 20 points for Milwaukee. The Bucks maintained control throughout the game, starting strong and never relinquishing their lead. They sealed the game early in the fourth quarter with an 11-0 run, highlighted by Portis’ 3-pointer that extended the lead to 114-92.
This victory sets the stage for a rematch on Monday, which will be televised nationally as part of the NBA’s Christmas schedule. The Knicks, who have struggled against the Bucks, will look to break the one-sided nature of this matchup.
Damian Lillard contributed significantly to the Bucks’ win, with 19 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Malik Beasley’s sharpshooting was also crucial, as he hit five 3-pointers to add 19 points to the Bucks’ tally.
The Knicks’ Jalen Brunson continued his strong performance against Milwaukee, scoring 36 points following his 45-point effort in their previous meeting. Julius Randle added 26 points and seven rebounds, but the Knicks couldn’t sustain momentum, having their two-game winning streak snapped.
The Bucks and Knicks have already faced off multiple times this season, including their quarterfinal match in the In-Season Tournament. Milwaukee’s shooting prowess was evident again, as they hit 60% from the field and over 60% from beyond the arc in their previous encounter. They continued this trend with a 5-for-7 three-point shooting performance in the opening quarter.
The Bucks’ stay in New York will extend beyond Monday’s game, as they are scheduled to play in Brooklyn on Wednesday. Some players plan to bring family or visit relatives to celebrate the holiday season during this period.
Looking ahead to their next meeting, the Knicks will need to find a way to counter Milwaukee’s dominance to avoid another loss to the Bucks on the national stage.
