The Milwaukee Bucks improved to 15-5 and won their third consecutive game by defeating the New York Knicks 109-103 on Wednesday night. Milwaukee maintains the second seed in the Eastern Conference. This particular game saw the Bucks struggle offensively. However, they were able to maintain their league-leading defensive prowess and hold the Knicks to 103 points one day after New York scored 140. The game was physical and chippy all throughout, but the Bucks were able to do just enough to come out with the victory.
Highlights from last night's WIN vs. Knicks.
⚡️ @we_energies ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/sBvYd2aRII
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 1, 2022
Three Studs
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Even though he fouled out late in the fourth quarter, the Bucks would not have won this game without Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP scored 37 points on 13-25 shooting (2-8 from three) and was 9-12 from the free throw line. He also added 13 rebounds, seven assists, and a block.
Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Five Best Games vs the New York Knicks
Taking control.
37 PTS | 13 REB | 7 AST | 1 BLK pic.twitter.com/MSgj0m8fUp
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 1, 2022
Jrue Holiday
On a night that the Bucks struggled shooting the ball, Jrue Holiday was as consistent as they could have asked. The veteran point guard scored 22 points on 9-19 shooting (2-5 from three) and was 2-2 from the free throw line. He added six rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and two steals.
Jrue was working tonight. 🔥
22 PTS | 6 REB | 5 AST pic.twitter.com/bvgvdS5VNW
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 1, 2022
Grayson Allen
The trade rumors surrounding Grayson Allen sure have cooled down lately. That is due to how important he has been to the Bucks on both ends of the court. In this game, Milwaukee was struggling to pull away from the Knicks all night. Late in the fourth, Allen hit a clutch three-point basket to put the game out of reach and secure the win.
Big time bucket from Grayson!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Uk7Ut7RwQc
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 1, 2022
After the game, head coach Mike Budenholzer praised Allen’s influence on the game:
"Grayson's just been in a great place. He only had 11 but it felt like that last one was worth 10."
Coach Bud reacts following the W in New York! #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/zuyKzt3zhs
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) December 1, 2022
Allen also talked about the shot after the game:
"It was a great play call. I got enough space to get the shot off and thankfully made it."
Grayson Allen hit the game-winning shot for Milwaukee and talked to @ZoraStephenson about it! #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/Xbutk3Ob0z
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) December 1, 2022
Three Duds
Three-Point Shooting
It is difficult to say that any one Bucks player had a truly bad game, so we’re going to stick with aspects of the game that they need to address. Milwaukee was just 10-35 from three last night, or just 28.6%. This needs to be much better going forward.
Rebounding
For one of the first times this season, the Bucks were out-rebounded by their opponent. The Knicks won the rebound battle 55-52 and grabbed 19 offensive rebounds. Milwaukee needs to get back to securing the boards and boxing out.
Worth a Note
Despite MarJon Beauchamp being ruled out with an illness, Jordan Nwora did not play. Even at the end of the game when an extra player was needed, Coach Bud elected to put in AJ Green.
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