Jalen Brunson erupted for 44 points to lead the New York Knicks (26-14) to a dominant 140-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks (20-17) on Sunday night. The All-Star guard’s stellar performance helped snap a rough stretch for the Knicks, who had lost four of their previous five games.
Brunson set the tone early, scoring 23 points in the first quarter alone. Despite briefly exiting in the third quarter after an apparent injury, he returned to a thunderous ovation and continued his offensive clinic. His 44-point effort marked the 17th time he has reached 40 points in a game as a Knick, tying Carmelo Anthony for third-most in franchise history.
Karl-Anthony Towns provided a strong interior presence, finishing with 30 points and a season-high 18 rebounds. The Knicks shot an efficient 58% from the field and drained 18 three-pointers, overwhelming Milwaukee’s defense throughout the night.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 24 points and 13 rebounds, while Damian Lillard added 22 points. However, Milwaukee struggled on both ends, allowing their highest point total of the season.
Milwaukee’s three-game win streak came to an abrupt halt as the team shot just 29.4% from beyond the arc. The Bucks’ bench provided little help, with only Khris Middleton managing a notable contribution of 16 points.
The Knicks played a near-flawless game, capitalizing on the Bucks’ miscues and showcasing balanced contributions from their starters and bench. Josh Hart and OG Anunoby chipped in 11 points apiece, while Cameron Payne added 18 points off the bench in just 14 minutes.
New York’s defense forced Milwaukee into 14 turnovers and limited their second-chance opportunities with strong rebounding. The Knicks’ ability to dominate the glass, led by Towns’ 18 boards, helped them control the pace and tempo of the game.