Nov 6, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks power forward John Henson (31) and Milwaukee Bucks small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) react against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Bucks defeated the Knicks 99-92. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
It was another rough night for the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, as the Milwaukee Bucks came into the game with revenge on their mind and that is exactly what they delivered. After getting blown out on their home court on opening night by the Knicks, the Bucks returned the favor tonight, defeating the Knicks on their home court.
It was the third consecutive loss for the Knicks, who have had a really tough week. It was like Groundhog Day, as they lost all three games in very similar fashion. They were able to fight back into the game throughout the second half, kept it close in the start of the fourth quarter, and then crumbled as the game got closer to the end.
Tonight they did themselves no favors, as they trailed by as many as 14 points in the first half. Slow starts are becoming a troubling trend for the Knicks, who have relied heavily on their bench to get them going every night. That is a bad formula for success, as there is only so much the bench can do if they are entering every game facing a deficit. The Knicks struggle to put things together for a full 48 minutes right now, and hurt themselves too much at times.
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Tonight was a game that lacked any real rhythm, as both teams struggled offensively as things got very physical and chippy at times. It was a totally different scene from opening night when the Knicks were able to ride the success of their bench to a blowout victory. That never happened tonight, as the Bucks came better prepared with their best player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, back in the lineup.
He definitely made a difference tonight, as the Bucks looked like a totally different team, while the Knicks looked the same essentially. The Knicks are still winless at home, and now are riding a three-game losing streak, as the difficult schedule to start the season seems to be wearing on them.
They should get some help soon, as Arron Afflalo is expected back in the lineup soon. They will also get a break in the schedule, as their next game is against the Los Angeles Lakers, in what could Kobe Bryant’s swan song at Madison Square Garden.
Before we get to that game though, let’s go dig deeper into tonight’s game. Check out our takeaways from the Knicks loss to the Bucks.
Next: Matchup Of The Game Recap