The Milwaukee Bucks held off the New York Knicks comeback attempt to improve to 4-0 on the season. At one point, the Bucks led by 24, but settled for a 119-108 victory after the Knicks rallied in the second half. This was a game that saw seven Bucks players, including all their starters, score in double figures. Indeed, as far as individual performances go, there was little not to like.
Three Studs
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Per Nathan Marizon of Behind the Buck Pass, this was the 21st game since 2019 that Giannis Antetokounmpo finished just one assist shy of a triple-double.
Tonight was Giannis' 21st game since 2018 where he finished exactly 1 assist away from a triple double, the most of any player in the league during that span.
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) October 29, 2022
Giannis finished the night with 30 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, a steal, and a block. He also did not commit a single personal foul while going 7-11 from the free throw line himself. Overall, Giannis shot 11-22 from the field, which included a 1-6 mark from beyond the arc.
Giannis dropped 30 points & was 1 assist shy of a triple-double tonight.
30 PTS | 14 REB | 9 AST pic.twitter.com/L2PvLXjsAz
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 29, 2022
Grayson Allen
While the Bucks’ three point shooting was not great on the night (more on that in a bit), Grayson Allen had himself his best game of the young season. Allen started the night 5-5 from the floor, including 4-4 from three. He finished with 17 points on 6-10 shooting (4-6 from three) and was 1-1 from the free throw line.
Grayson put on a show tonight.
17 PTS | 4 REB | 2 AST | 4-6 3PM pic.twitter.com/6hShKUpA31
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 29, 2022
Jrue Holiday
While Jrue Holiday may have gotten off to another slow start, he came in clutch in the second half with timely shots and a steal/layup to put the Knicks away. He finished the night with 16 points on 6-19 shooting (2-6 from three) and was 2-2 from the free throw line. Holiday also added five rebounds, six assists, two steals, and a block.
Jrue Holiday ↗️ Giannispic.twitter.com/YDGpwzhbrM
— Bucks Nation (@BucksNationCP) October 29, 2022
Honorable Mentions
Bobby Portis had ANOTHER double-double off the bench for the Bucks. Additionally, Brook Lopez once again had multiple blocked shots (three) and Wes Matthew had two steals in just four minutes of playing time. I would be remiss, though, if I did not also mention whoever put together the Bucks’ introduction video for the game:
This ruled. The Milwaukee Bucks open Retro Night with their player introduction video from two decades ago: https://t.co/uEXf3JLj2J pic.twitter.com/ugifaj8TvW
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 29, 2022
Three Duds
Jordan Nwora
Perhaps the only player who could be labeled a dud last night was Jordan Nwora. The third-year forward played just 12 minutes, picked up three fouls, and missed each of his six shot attempts. This included an easy layup from two feet away from the basket. Nwora’s defensive shortcomings also forced his teammates into situations where they could not properly defend their assignments because they had to help Nwora with his.
Three Point Shooting
Despite Allen’s strong start from three, the Bucks shot just 28.9% from three overall in the game. Their inability to hit consistent three point shots late in the game allowed the Knicks to claw their way back into the game. This facet of the Bucks’ game will hopefully improve once Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton return.
The Last 18 Minutes of the Game
Over the course of the young season, the Bucks have been pretty consistent when it comes to closing out their opponents. Aside from their narrow victory over Philadelphia in their opening game, they have closed out games when they have had the lead. Despite having a 24-point lead at one point in the third quarter, the Bucks allowed the Knicks to keep the game close enough to make it interesting.
For Bucks vs Knicks Highlights
Bally Sports Wisconsin tweeted out a highlight reel of the Bucks’ victory over the Knicks:
You know the Bucks weren't going to lose in the purple jerseys! #FearTheDeer
Highlights from the win over the Knicks: ⤵ pic.twitter.com/WDPmWMh04L
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) October 29, 2022
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