OG Anunoby delivered a fourth-quarter masterclass, scoring 20 of his game-high 31 points to power the New York Knicks past the Milwaukee Bucks 116-107 on Friday night, completing a regular-season sweep. The win secured the Knicks’ third consecutive victory over the Bucks this season and solidified their position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Dominant Display by Anunoby
With Jalen Brunson sidelined due to injury, the Knicks needed someone to step up—and Anunoby answered the call. His offensive outburst in the final period kept Milwaukee at bay after the Bucks made a late push. Anunoby’s relentless scoring, combined with his defensive intensity, proved pivotal in securing the win.
Bridges and Hart Provide Crucial Support
Mikal Bridges chipped in 26 points, maintaining his consistent scoring rhythm and complementing Anunoby’s late-game heroics. Josh Hart flirted with a triple-double, contributing 13 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists while providing energy and hustle on both ends of the floor. Karl-Anthony Towns added 14 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring the paint and keeping the Bucks’ interior game in check.
Antetokounmpo’s Return Not Enough for Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 30 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in his return from a one-game absence due to a sprained left foot. However, his efforts couldn’t overcome New York’s balanced attack. Kyle Kuzma and Ryan Rollins each scored 20 points for the Bucks, with Rollins setting a new career high, but Milwaukee struggled to contain the Knicks’ late surge.
Season Sweep and Potential Playoff Preview
New York’s victory capped off a dominant season series over Milwaukee. The Knicks previously defeated the Bucks 116-94 on Nov. 8 at Madison Square Garden and routed them 140-106 in their second meeting on Jan. 12. With New York sitting third and Milwaukee sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, a potential first-round playoff clash looms—one that the Knicks would enter with undeniable momentum.
Reserves Make an Impact for Knicks
Despite being shorthanded in the backcourt with Brunson, Cam Payne, and Deuce McBride unavailable, New York received solid contributions from unexpected sources. Delon Wright, who began the season with Milwaukee, scored 10 of his 12 points in the first quarter, notching his first double-digit scoring game of the season. Tyler Kolek, a former Marquette standout, added five points, five assists, and committed no turnovers in his return to familiar territory.
Bucks’ Playoff Seeding in Jeopardy
Milwaukee’s hopes of securing home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs are fading fast. The Bucks (40-33) have now dropped three straight games and trail fourth-place Indiana (43-30) by three games, while also sitting 1.5 games behind a surging Detroit squad (42-32). With only a handful of games remaining, Milwaukee’s margin for error is shrinking.
Key Moment: Anunoby Seals the Deal
The game’s turning point came midway through the fourth quarter when Anunoby took over. Scoring in a variety of ways—spot-up threes, aggressive drives, and mid-range jumpers—he kept the Bucks from closing the gap and ultimately iced the game with a series of clutch baskets.
As the regular season winds down, the Knicks are surging with confidence, while the Bucks will need to regroup quickly if they hope to make noise in the postseason. With both teams potentially on a collision course in the playoffs, their next meeting promises to be one to watch.
Leave a Reply