Milwaukee Bucks Dominate New York Knicks in NBA In-Season Tournament

The Milwaukee Bucks showcased their shooting prowess by making over 60 percent of their 3-point attempts in a decisive 146-122 victory over the New York Knicks. With this win, the Bucks have advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinal of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament. Their next challenge awaits them in a game against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday in Las Vegas.

Julius Randle Shines for the Knicks

Despite the loss, Knicks forward Julius Randle had an outstanding performance, leading all scorers with 41 points on 14-of-19 shooting. On the other side, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks recorded a double-double with 35 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds.

Milwaukee, the top seed in the East from group play, displayed exceptional shooting accuracy, making 59.8 percent of their field goals and an impressive 60.5 percent from beyond the arc. Damian Lillard contributed 28 points for the Bucks, sinking five of his seven 3-point attempts, while Malik Beasley added six 3-pointers to the team’s total.

Wiggle if you’ve got six threes. pic.twitter.com/ruEBpCExSU

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 6, 2023

After the game, Antetokounmpo jokingly remarked, “The rich get richer,” upon learning that each Bucks player is now guaranteed at least $100,000 in prize money.

The New Orleans Pelicans await the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers–Phoenix Suns Western Conference quarterfinal matchup.

Milwaukee’s Offensive Dominance

The Bucks’ offensive firepower proved too much for the Knicks to handle. Antetokounmpo’s impressive performance included 35 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists, while Lillard contributed 28 points, three rebounds, and seven assists. As a team, the Bucks were exceptional from beyond the arc, making 23 of their 38 attempts, resulting in a staggering 60.5 percent shooting percentage from 3-point range. — Eric Nehm, Bucks senior writer

Thibodeau Frustrated by Knicks’ Defense

Following the game, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau expressed his frustration with the team’s defensive performance. He criticized their inability to guard the 3-point line effectively, as the Bucks not only made 23 shots from deep but also consistently penetrated the paint. — Fred Katz, Knicks staff writer

Stay Updated with The Athletic’s Live Coverage

For more information and live coverage of the Suns-Lakers matchup, follow The Athletic’s live blog.

(Photo: Michael McLoone / USA Today)