#Milwaukee Bucks Roll Past New York Knicks to Reach NBA In-Season Tournament Semifinals
In a dazzling display of three-point prowess, the Milwaukee Bucks dominated the New York Knicks on Tuesday with a convincing 146-122 victory, securing their spot in the NBA In-Season Tournament semifinals. The Bucks, led by the dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, remain undefeated in the tournament and are set to face the Indiana Pacers in Las Vegas on Thursday.
##Bucks Unleash Offensive Prowess
Milwaukee showcased an impressive offensive performance, particularly noteworthy as this was a single-elimination quarterfinal match. The Knicks, known for having the stingiest defense in the NBA this season, couldn’t contain the Bucks’ offensive onslaught, allowing an astonishing 23 out of 38 three-pointers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the maestro of the Bucks’ attack, nearly achieving a triple-double with 35 points (15-of-22 shooting), 8 rebounds, and 10 assists. Lillard contributed 28 points, 7 assists, and connected on 5 three-pointers. Notable performances also came from Malik Beasley, who scored 18 points with 6 three-pointers, and Khris Middleton, contributing 14 points and 7 assists.
Despite being inconsistent at times, the Bucks relied on their abundant talent, guided by Antetokounmpo’s stellar performance. The Knicks, shooting a meager 7-of-23 from beyond the arc as a team, saw Julius Randle shine with 41 points on 14-of-19 shooting, while Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett added 24 and 23 points, respectively.
##Bucks’ Three-Point Barrage From Start to Finish
The Knicks entered Milwaukee with a solid game plan, aiming to exploit defensive gaps and emphasize transition plays. They held a narrow lead of 18-15 at the 4:58 mark, but the Bucks quickly turned the tides.
Antetokounmpo showcased his versatility in the first quarter, scoring 13 points, while AJ Green provided a crucial boost with three three-pointers. Despite the Knicks’ efforts, Milwaukee went into halftime with a slight lead of 75-72.
In the second quarter, the Bucks unleashed a barrage of three-pointers, shooting an impressive 12-of-17 from beyond the arc by halftime. Lillard played a key role in this shooting exhibition, contributing 14 points and three triples. However, the Knicks relied on Randle, who finished the first half with 25 points, shooting a perfect 9-of-9 from the field and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.
##Bucks Maintain Commanding Lead
The Knicks needed to shore up their defense in the second half, but the Bucks continued their offensive dominance. Antetokounmpo added 13 points in the third quarter, propelling the Bucks to extend their lead to +18 with a 37-24 run.
The Bucks tormented the Knicks from beyond the arc, leaving them frustrated and trailing 112-96 heading into the final quarter. This marked a historic and concerning statistic for the Knicks, as they hadn’t conceded 37 or more points in each of the first three quarters since 1962.
Although the Knicks made a brief attempt at a comeback early in the fourth quarter, the Bucks maintained a double-digit lead. Clutch three-pointers from Beasley dispelled any concerns, ensuring the Bucks’ ticket to the NBA In-Season Tournament semifinals.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ victory showcased their offensive firepower and dominance from the three-point line. With Antetokounmpo and Lillard leading the charge, the Bucks are poised for a thrilling matchup against the Indiana Pacers in the semifinals. Fans and analysts eagerly anticipate this highly-anticipated clash in Las Vegas.
