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Madison Square Garden Showdown: New York Knicks Outlast Milwaukee Bucks

The New York Knicks secured a hard-fought victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden, with a final score of 129-122. The home team's record improved to 17-12 while the visiting Bucks fell to 22-8.


NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 25: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball during the game against the New York Knicks on December 25, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE  (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Knicks led the scoring in the first quarter with 36 points against the Bucks' 27, setting an energetic tone for the game. The home team maintained their offensive momentum throughout, matching their first-quarter performance again in the third with another 36 points and finishing strong with 31 points in the fourth quarter. The Knicks showcased impressive shooting accuracy from both inside and outside the paint, achieving a field goal percentage of 54 and converting eight out of their twenty-six three-point attempts.


Key players for the Knicks stepped up; they outperformed in several statistical categories including assists (27), fast break points (23), and bench contributions which added an important 32 points to their total score. Their dominance was also evident in paint where they scored a remarkable 72 points.


NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 25: Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks celebrates during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 25, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE  (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Defensively, both teams were evenly matched with each recording four blocks and seven steals. However, it was on offense that New York managed to edge past Milwaukee by maintaining a higher efficiency rating throughout.


On individual performances, several Knicks players contributed significantly to this win by drawing fouls effectively which resulted in twenty-one made free throws from twenty-six attempts – showcasing an impressive free throw percentage of approximately 81 percent.


NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 25: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 25, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE  (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Bucks did not go down without a fight as they led for almost four minutes during this closely contested match-up and had moments where they outscored their opponents significantly – at one point going on a nine-point unanswered run.


As fans look ahead, they can mark their calendars for when the New York Knicks will face off against Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on December 27th at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. This game will be available for viewing on MSG network channel six hundred thirty-four or BSOK channel six hundred seventy-five for those following from home.

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