By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Jalen Brunson scored 39 points and dished out six assists to lead the New York Knicks past the Milwaukee Bucks 129 – 122 in Madison Square Garden, in the opener of the NBA’s 2023 Christmas Day games.
Thanks to Brunson’s performance, the Knicks registered their first win over the Bucks this after nine consecutive losses, including a 130 – 111 rout at home two days ago. This time New York wasn’t up to losing again in their home to Milwaukee, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s and Damian Lillard’s efforts.
Giannis finished with 32 points, 13 rebounds and six assists while Lillard added 32 points of his own along with eight dimes but the Bucks didn’t have enough answers overall for the Knicks’ offense. This was the first Christmas Day loss for Milwaukee following seven straight victories.
Apart from Brunson, Julius Randle delivered 24 points and nine rebounds. RJ Barrett had 21 points and six boards while Immanuel Quickley provided a key contribution off the bench with 20 points on 7-10 shots over 22 minutes. Isaiah Hartenstein had 11 points and eight rebounds.
Khris Middleton posted 24 points and six assists for the Bucks.