Milwaukee, Wisconsin The initial belief after the Milwaukee Bucks acquired Damian Lillard was that their offensive potential would be unmatched. They proved to be exactly that on Tuesday night, easily defeating the New York Knicks 146-122 to advance to the NBA’s first-ever In-Season Tournament quarterfinals.
“I thought this was probably our best offensive game,” Lillard stated. “How did we fare? 146, or a similar number? Additionally, we left a ton of points unclaimed. We failed to make free throws and a few paint shots. This game easily could have been decided by 165 points.”
The Bucks reached a season-high in points and made 3-pointers by shooting 60.4% from the field and 60.5% from beyond the arc. They became the fourth team in history to make at least 23 3-pointers while shooting 60% or better. This was the first time they had shot at least 60% overall and from beyond the arc in the same game since 1985. all against a Knicks squad with one of the best defenses in the NBA.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had survived an early scare with his ankle, used his size as a battering ram to weaken the Knicks. Ten of the Bucks’ first twelve points came from him, a string of strong drives and athletic finishes at the rim. Even though it would be difficult to stay up all night, the two-time MVP doesn’t have to with Lillard in the picture. Lillard’s time to shine came in the second quarter, when he scored a scorching 14 points off of a flurry of 3-pointers.
Though they may not be playing as many pick-and-rolls as anticipated, Lillard and Antetokounmpo are beginning to strike a balance that allows them to both succeed without undermining the other. The Bucks have won 8 of their past 10 games, and during that time, they have combined for 14.9 assists per game and scored 57.7 points, placing them among the top 14 scorers in the league. Lillard is shooting 47.7% from the field, including 41.5% from downtown, compared to Antetokounmpo’s 63.9%.
It was the same story on Monday night as Antetokounmpo finished with 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Lillard chipped in with 28 points and 7 assists.
“I really like how we’re starting to learn each other,” Lillard stated. “We don’t play as well some nights, but we still manage to win those games. There have been some hiccups in that process. It’s just now beginning to get a little smoother. Being aware of our proper placement on the floor, providing each other with opportunities, and supporting one another in being who we are. Even though it’s not perfect, I like that we’re making progress that is evident on the floor.”
But even the league’s best 1-2 punch requires support, and the Bucks’ supporting group has been playing well. This season, six players—tied for the third-most on a single team in the league—have scored in double figures.
It was Malik Beasley’s turn to shine against the Knicks. This is the fourth game this season that the seasoned shooting guard has made at least six three-pointers in a game. He finished with 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc. Who has done so more frequently than Stephen Curry (seven)?
Because Antetokounmpo and Lillard were attracting so much attention, Beasley took advantage of the stares. There was no scene more dramatic than the one in which Antetokounmpo discovered Beasley by himself in the corner with the other five Knicks encircling him.
“In training camp we kept smiling because it was so easy with our spacing,” Beasley stated. You’re beginning to notice it now. I play a guy who has to be the X-factor and make big plays. There will be moments when Giannis and Dame are the center of attention and I have to knock them down after they make three or four consecutive baskets. I’ve been performing that well. I just need to maintain my focus because I know my role is to defend and score.”
Though given how easily they put points on the board, the Bucks’ defense is still a concern.
They are currently ranked third in the league in offensive rating (119.2), second in true shooting (61.4%), seventh in 3-pointers made per game (14.5) and seventh in free throw percentage (0.282) following their demolition of the Knicks. Should you have less interest in complex statistics, they have only been surpassed by the Pacers in scoring at least 130 points seven times.
Furthermore, they claim that they are just getting started.
“I definitely expected us to be great because of the kind of people we have on the team, not necessarily the talent,” said Brook Lopez. “It’s obvious that there is talent, but what will really make it succeed is the guys’ chemistry. Even though we performed well tonight, I don’t think we’ll be near our potential come season’s end.”
