The Milwaukee Bucks welcomed the New York Knicks to Fiserv Forum on Friday in the first game of the NBA In-Season Tournament that’s set to take place throughout November. The Bucks bounced back incredibly from their loss against the Toronto Raptors, beating the Knicks 110-105.
The Bucks had Brook Lopez back in his normal spot covering the rim to begin the game, and while defensive improvements were definitely made, New York was able to hold a 25-21 lead after the first quarter. But, Jae Crowder and MarJon Beauchamp all helped beyond the perimeter in the second quarter, giving Milwaukee the lead. As they went into the half, it was 56-46, Bucks.
Dame Time was in full swing with the Milwaukee Bucks
Damian Lillard’s debut as a member of the Bucks was stellar; 39 points, the most in franchise history from someone making their debut, but the next two games after that just were “meh” from Lillard. He couldn’t seem to find his command on the court and couldn’t make the shots he wanted to.
Maybe it’s the new uniforms, I’m not sure, but whatever it was, the clocks struck Dame Time at the Fiserv on Friday as Lillard scored 30 points, hitting a go-ahead three-point shot with 1:03 left in the game to help the Bucks secure the victory in one of seven In-Season Tournament openers happening on Friday.
Nobody does it like Dame. pic.twitter.com/6p477UbN9L
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 4, 2023
Jalen Brunson was stellar for the Knicks putting up 45 points and gave the Knicks their first lead since the second quarter by hitting a three with 1:10 remaining. But Lillard answered with his 3-pointer to bring the score to 104-103, Bucks. After Brunson missed a shot with 49 seconds left to play, Khris Middleton found Lillard for a driving layup that started a three-point play that made it 107-103 with a little over 30 seconds to go. Lillard sealed the deal with two free throws, making all 12 of his free throws on the night.
Giannis Antetokounmpo added 22 points to the win, with eight rebounds and six assists.
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