Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks Post Game Recap March 26

Final Score: Milwaukee Bucks 80 New York Knicks 89 

This was not a game for the faint of heart, but it was definitely easier to handle as a Knicks fan with them pulling out a hard fought victory tonight 89-80 over the Milwaukee Bucks. Without Amar’e Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin, the Knicks were able to get enough out of the rest of the team to beat a Milwaukee Bucks team they have struggled mightily against. With the victory tonight the Knicks widened their lead for 8th place in the Eastern Conference to 2 ½ games and reached .500 for the first time February 29th against the Cavaliers. They also improved to 7-1 under Mike Woodson. 

-Carmelo Anthony Picks Up the Slack 

With Amar’e Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin both injured, the Knicks not only lost 2 starters but two of their top 3 scorers on the season. They needed someone to pickup the slack in the starting lineup, and that is exactly what Anthony did. 

Anthony scored 28 points, going 12-12 from the foul line. He also added a team high 12 rebounds to pick up the slack left behind by the absence of Stoudemire. He also put in the effort needed in a game like tonight on the defensive end. 

The only setback for Anthony tonight was what seemed to be a re-aggravation of his groin injury. He appeared hobbled at the end of the 3rd quarter, but was able to return in the 4th quarter. Upon returning he was seen clutching his groin multiple times. Anthony said he will go for treatment tonight after the game and tomorrow is another day. Right now there is no definitive answer on the extent of the injury. 

-Attacking the Paint 

The Knicks came out aggressive in the game tonight, attacking the paint and drawing fouls. Their aggression paid off, getting to the foul line a total of 35 times compared to only 18 attempts for the Bucks. This resulted in a 30-12 edge in points from the foul line for the Knicks, a decisive factor in the game tonight. The Knicks also controlled the boards much better tonight compared to the last meeting with the Bucks. The Knicks out-rebounding the Bucks 54-41 and limited the Bucks to only 9 offensive rebounds this time around, compared to the 13 the Knicks grabbed. 

-Defense Corrals Big-Named Bucks 

Outside of Mike Dunleavy’s unconscious play throughout the game, the Knicks were able to shut down the rest of the Bucks. They were able to keep Brandon Jennings in check for the first time this season, holding him to 15 points on 6-22 from the field. The Knicks were able to keep his new running mat Monta Ellis to an even quieter game, holding him to 4 points on 2-14 shooting. The Knicks starting backcourt of Baron Davis and Iman Shumpert had a much bigger impact on the game on the defensive end than normal starting backcourt made up of Jeremy Lin and Landry Fields. 


The next game for the Knicks is Wednesday, March 28th at 7:00 P.M. ET in New York against the Orland Magic.