The Milwaukee Bucks have advanced to the semi-finals of the NBA In-Season Tournament by defeating the New York Knicks 146-122 on Tuesday night. The game itself was highlighted with high-scoring quarters and hot shooting from both teams for the majority of the game. The Bucks held a slight three-point edge at half time, 75-72.
However, the Bucks used an incredible second-half run that saw them pull away in the third quarter, and then ice the game in the fourth. They were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished with 35 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals. Damian Lillard had 28 points, three rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block.
With the game out of reach late in the fourth quarter, head coach Adrian Griffin emptied his bench. Had he not done so, the Bucks may have done something that the NBA, specifically the Knicks, had not seen since 1962.
The Milwaukee Bucks Fell 3 Points Short in the 4th Quarter of an Achievement Wilt Chamberlain’s Team Accomplished in 1962
One of the most iconic games and individual performances in NBA history occurred on March 2, 1962. On that night, the Philadelphia Warriors defeated the Knicks 169-147 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This game is known for the amazing individual effort of Hall of Fame center Wilt Chamberlain, who set the NBA record for points in a game with 100. He also had 25 rebounds and two assists.
This game was the last time that the Knicks allowed their opponent to score at least 37 points in each quarter. Fast forward to December 5, 2023, and the Bucks put up 37-38-37-34 points in the four quarters of play.
Missing the mark to score 37 points in the fourth quarter really puts into perspective just how astounding Chamberlain’s performance was. The closest anyone has ever come to it was when Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006.
Bucks’ star Damian Lillard scored 71 points for the Portland Trailblazers on February 26, 2023.
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