The Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee was buzzing with jubilation as the Bucks secured a 146-122 blowout win over the New York Knicks thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 35 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals.
VEGAS, BABY.#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/vVmhl81JAg
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 6, 2023
The Greek-Nigerian recorded his 14th double-double of the season to propel Milwaukee into the semifinals of the In-Season Tournament, where they will face another unbeaten side in the East, the Indiana Pacers, in Las Vegas on Thursday night.
Antetokounmpo, who had an injury scare following a wrong landing incident in the first quarter, steered the course and scored 10 of the Bucks’ first 13 points of the game.
Quality quarterfinal.
????: @paysbig pic.twitter.com/ELQymj5xhV
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 6, 2023
The first half of the game was evenly contested, with the Bucks only managing a three-point lead into the second half. However, they caught fire in the third quarter and led by as many as 18 points. They increased the lead to about 27 points in the fourth quarter before eventually settling for a comfortable 24-point victory.
Damian Lillard finished with 28 points, 7 assists, and five 3s; Malik Beasley added 18 points and a game-high six 3s; Khris Middleton ended the game with 14 points and 7 assists; and Bobby Portis added 13 points and two blocks off the bench.
Knocked out the Knicks.#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/vLiSwJNQR5
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 6, 2023
Julius Randle led all scorers with a season-high 41 points along with six rebounds and five assists, while Jalen Brunson (24 points) and RJ Barrett (23 points) combined for 47 points in a losing effort for New York.
The Bucks are 5-0 in the in-season tournament, and they improve to 15-6 for the season, having won 10 of 12 in a nice straight at home.
