Big Third Quarter Rallies New York Knicks to Road Win Over Milwaukee Bucks
By Nick Faria
if the New York Knicks thought that they would be able to compete among the top teams in the Eastern Conference, Sunday night was a perfect example as to how they'll be able to do so.
Jalen Brunson led a ferocious second-half rally for the Knicks, as New York came away with an impressive 122-109 road win over the Milwaukee Bucks. The Eastern Conference All-Star tallied 43 points - his third game with over 30 points - while adding eight assists and six rebounds.
The Knicks trailed Milwaukee by 11 through the first half, but outscored the Bucks 72-48 in the final two quarters to pull away for the win.
Helping Brunson with their offensive output was former Villanova teammate Donte DiVincenzo. The shooting guard went 8-11 from three to finish with 26 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds. OG Anunoby, in his second game back from injury, chipped in four points but was 2-10 from the field.
On Milwaukee's side, the Bucks got a 28-15-8 day from Giannis Antetokounmpo, 24 off the bench from Bobby Portis, and 23 from star point guard Damian Lillard.
New York's win moved them into a third-place tie with the Orlando Magic for third place in the Eastern Conference. They are also just a game behind the Bucks for the second seed. While the Magic currently own the tiebreaker over the Knicks, the Knickerbockers finish their season with two games against the Chicago Bulls, one with the Brooklyn Nets, and one with the Boston Celtics. Of the four games, only the Celtics have a winning record.
Picking up a win over a team that is currently above them in the standings, should provide the Knicks with enough confidence to show they can beat any team in their conference. Especially if it's on the road.