The Milwaukee Bucks did something to the New York Knicks on Tuesday night that not many teams in the NBA have been able to do this season. They scored and kept scoring, as one of the league’s top defensive units had no answers against the Bucks.
Milwaukee won 146-122 in what turned into a track meet from the opening tip. The Bucks were able to speed up the normally slow-paced, methodical Knicks, turning the game into one that fits their style of play. It eventually wore down New York, who got outscored 71-50 in the second half.
The biggest difference in the game was 3-point shooting. Whatever the reason may be, maybe the Bucks found something in the Knicks’ defense to exploit, Milwaukee has lit up New York from long distance in both meetings this season.
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The Bucks’ two best 3-point shooting nights have both come against what is a very strong Knicks defense. In their first meeting on November 4th, Milwaukee shot 20-of-39 while New York went 10-of-39, which was the difference in a five-point game.
It was the same story on Tuesday, as Milwaukee went 23-of-38 and New York was only 7-of-23. In fact, the game last night was a nearly record-setting performance for the Bucks. Until the waning moments of the game, they were going to make NBA history.
The Bucks finished with the third-best 3-point shooting night ever for teams with at least 23 attempts in a game. They finished at 60.5 percent, but they held the record until 30 seconds remained in the game. That is when Robin Lopez attempted a 3-pointer and missed, taking them out of the top spot.
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It was an incredible display from the Bucks, as Malik Beasley led the way going 6-of-10. Damian Lillard was 5-of-7 as six different players knocked down multiple 3-pointers in the game. The Knicks had no answer for their long-range display.
Milwaukee is now heading to Las Vegas to play in the semifinals of the NBA In-Season Tournament against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday evening. The winner of that game will play against the Los Angeles Lakers or New Orleans Pelicans for the inaugural In-Season Championship.
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