If the playoffs started today, this would be the first-round matchup—and the New York Knicks just sent a message. Behind OG Anunoby’s game-high 31 points and a barrage of second-half threes, the Knicks took down the Milwaukee Bucks 116-107 on the road in a game that felt like a sneak peek at what’s to come in April.
Anunoby was locked in from start to finish, but his fourth quarter was especially lethal, knocking down clutch threes alongside Landry Shamet as the Knicks opened up their biggest lead of the night, 99-80. The Bucks had trimmed the deficit to just two points early in the third, 67-65, but New York immediately answered with a 9-1 run—and Milwaukee never got closer than five after that.
It was a game where both teams were missing key pieces. The Knicks were without Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride, and Cameron Payne, while the Bucks missed Damian Lillard, Bobby Portis, and Jericho Sims. But that didn’t stop the Knicks from building momentum early, especially during a dominant second quarter where they stretched their lead to 17 points.
Mikal Bridges added 26 points and 5 assists, continuing his recent offensive surge. Karl-Anthony Towns posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Josh Hart flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 13 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists.
A special shoutout goes to Delon Wright, the former Buck, who made his first start as a Knick and made the most of it. He logged over 30 minutes, scored a season-high 12 points—including 10 in the first quarter—handed out 4 assists, and grabbed 3 boards. His steady presence helped steady the ship early on.
“I feel like every team that I leave, I always have a good game the first game back or the first time playing them. I just wanted to keep that streak going.”
– Delon Wright
Off the bench, Shamet poured in 13 points on 3-of-5 shooting from deep, and Mitchell Robinson grabbed 10 rebounds in a rugged effort inside.
The Knicks didn’t just win this game with shot-making—they imposed their will defensively. They forced 16 Milwaukee turnovers, which led to 26 points, while committing only nine themselves and surrendering just 13 points off those. The defense was sharp, swiping 12 steals—three by Anunoby and at least one from every starter—compared to just two steals total for the Bucks.
Even on the glass, the Knicks owned the night, outrebounding Milwaukee 44-32.
For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. Kyle Kuzma and Ryan Rollins each added 20, but the Bucks just couldn’t generate enough stops or match New York’s energy in the key moments.
This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. No Brunson, no problem. The Knicks played connected, focused basketball, and if this was a playoff preview, they looked more than ready for the challenge.
rady
KnicksOnline.com founder. Software tester by day time, sports shooter by free time. Rocking with the orange and blue since the mid 90s.