The adventure of Knicks in this inaugural “In-Season Tournament” ends in the quarter-final: Tom Thibodeau’s men have indeed taken a big slap at Milwaukeewhere the Bucks have burned their defense with 146 points scored, and will therefore not play for the title in Las Vegas.
Unlike the Bucks, authors of a huge offensive explosion: 23/38 at three points! More broadly, the Bucks shot 60%, driven by their usual strong men of course: Giannis Antetokounmponot far from the triple-double with 35 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists and 3 steals, and Damian Lillard, with 28 points and 7 assists. Four other players from the Wisconsin club scored 12 or more points (Malik Beasley, Bobby Portis, Khris Middleton and Cameron Payne), and the defense of new York exploded in mid-air.
The Knicks had nevertheless managed to hold on for a half (75-72 in favor of the Bucks at halftime). Not because of their defense, obviously, but because of their offense and particularly the offensive production of Julius Randle, who scored 25 points on 9/9 shots at the break (41 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the end). Then the difference became very clear in the third quarter, when the New Yorkers struggled to keep the rhythm in attack, unlike their opponents, who continued their business of demolishing the New York defense. York (37-24 for Milwaukee in this third quarter).
What you must remember
– First knockout of the season for the Knicks defense. Holders, before this match, of the best defense in the league (105.5 points conceded on average per game), the Knicks took on water, for the first time this season in such proportions. Faced with a ruthless team of outside skill, realism near the circle and quite simply consistency in the implementation of its attack, the New York players chased the score throughout the match. Their attack allowed them to keep up with the Bucks in the first half, before the ship gradually sank after returning from the locker room.
– It will be Bucks – Pacers for a place in the final. After the Pacers' stunning victory yesterday against the Celtics, we know the poster for the semi-final on the Eastern Conference side in this “In-Season Tournament”. Thursday evening in Las Vegas, Tyrese Haliburton and his young gang will challenge Giannis Antetokounmpo and his experienced squad. A match that promises sparks in attack, while Indiana has the best attack in the league, and Milwaukee the third. On paper, the Bucks are favorites because they have more talent and they defend better, but the supersonic attack of the young Pacers should not be underestimated.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
