Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Lillard-less host one of the top 3 teams in the East right now, the New York Knicks as they’ll potentially be meeting immediately in the first round of the playoffs. However, their recent duel summed up a catastrophic future for the 2021 champs.
No Brunson? No Problem!
The Knicks came into the Fiserv Forum without All-star point guard Jalen Brunson, who’s currently sidelined after sustaining an ankle injury. They’re even missing the presence of Brunson’s backup, Cam Payne, against the Bucks. Fortunately, things went the Knicks’ way as they strategically handled their final battle against Giannis, 116-107.
OG Anunoby led the team with 31 points and Mikal Bridges took over in the second half, finishing with 26 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds. Even without their biggest star, the Knicks were able to hold off the Bucks, who was also without Damian Lillard.
Antetokounmpo had another 30-point game on top of his 7 dimes and 9 boards. However, aside from the two-time MVP, the Bucks seem to be out of place lately. They’ve lost three straight and have dropped 8 of their last 12 games.
The Knicks (46-27) and the Bucks (40-33)have met three times this season. After the Saturday game, New York office gets the sweep in the regular season series.
Knicks in 4?
As the current 3rd seed, the Knicks could potentially face the 6th-seeded Bucks in the first round of the 2025 playoffs. But, with Brunson, KAT, and Anunoby sweeping Cream City in the regular season, the Bucks may just have an early playoff exit soon. It also worsens their situation that Lillard is out indefinitely after suffering another injury.
The Knicks have proven to be the better team this season and fans think it’s a quick 4-0 for New York, even without Brunson.
Last year, the Bucks were eliminated by the Pacers in the first round after Lillard and Antetokounmpo also went down with an injury. Despite the setbacks, the Greek Freak is still optimistic that they can turn things around. The former MVP recounted the time, back in 2023, when an 8-seeded Miami Heat team beat them and went all the way to the NBA Finals.
