Jalen Brunson poured in 37 points to lead the New York Knicks to a 118-109 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday at Madison Square Garden. The win secured New York’s spot in the NBA Cup knockout round, finishing 3-1 in East Group C.
Miles McBride added 19 points, including two early fourth-quarter 3-pointers that gave the Knicks a 13-point cushion. Josh Hart contributed 19 points and 15 rebounds in his third start back, while Mikal Bridges scored 14 as New York shot 44% from the field.
Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a four-game absence with a groin injury, finishing with 30 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists in 28 minutes. Kyle Kuzma added 20 points for Milwaukee, which fell to 8-12 and was eliminated from the tournament with a 2-2 record. A.J. Green chipped in 18 points as the Bucks shot 52.1% overall and made 18 three-pointers.
Brunson, returning from a two-game ankle sprain, made 12 of 21 shots, including seven of eight in the third quarter, helping the Knicks turn a one-point halftime deficit into a four-point lead. The guard also converted a critical three-point play with 1:27 remaining, extending New York’s lead to 114-107.
The Knicks held a 92-88 advantage entering the fourth after Bridges and Brunson hit late third-quarter 3s. McBride’s pair of three-pointers and a Tyler Kolek triple pushed the lead to 101-88 early in the final period, forcing Milwaukee to mount a late rally that ultimately fell short.
New York out-rebounded Milwaukee 44-35 and recorded 25 assists on 38 made field goals, demonstrating efficient ball movement and team execution. Brunson’s clutch free throws and McBride’s timely shooting underscored the Knicks’ composure in the final minutes.
Looking ahead, Milwaukee hosts Brooklyn on Saturday while New York welcomes Toronto on Sunday. The Knicks’ strong group-stage finish positions them favorably as they advance in the NBA Cup, while the Bucks face a weekend of regrouping after consecutive setbacks.
