In a high-scoring spectacle, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 35 points and Damian Lillard’s 28 lead the Milwaukee Bucks (15-6) to a resounding 146-122 victory over the New York Knicks (12-8), propelling them to the semifinals of the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament.
Achieving a season-high score, the Bucks showcased remarkable efficiency, shooting an impressive 60.5% from beyond the arc and 60.4% overall, setting the stage for a semifinal showdown against the Indiana Pacers in Las Vegas.
Lillard expressed the team’s determination to bring home a championship from Las Vegas, emphasizing the Bucks’ undefeated record of 5-0 in the tournament and their extended home winning streak to nine games.
Despite a standout performance by Julius Randle, who scored a season-high 41 points for the Knicks, the Bucks maintained control throughout the game. Jalen Brunson’s 24 points and R.J. Barrett’s 23 were not enough to halt Milwaukee’s dominance.
The tightly contested first half saw a scoring showcase, with Lillard’s three step-back 3-pointers giving the Bucks a 75-72 lead at halftime, marking the highest-scoring first half for Milwaukee this season.
In the third quarter, the Bucks surged ahead, establishing an 18-point lead and ultimately extending it to 27 in the fourth, allowing Adrian Griffin to empty the bench.
With a convincing win, the Bucks now set their sights on the semifinals, aiming to carry the momentum and set a definitive tone for the remainder of the NBA season.
