In a thrilling showdown at Milwaukee's FiServ Forum, the New York Knicks overcame significant injuries to key players, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 116-107 on March 28, 2025. With Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride, and Cameron Payne sidelined, the Knicks relied on their depth and resilience, sweeping the season series against a potential playoff opponent.
Delon Wright, stepping in as the starting point guard, made an immediate impact. The veteran scored 10 points in the first quarter and finished with 12 points, four assists, and three rebounds. "They did an amazing job taking what’s there," said OG Anunoby in his walk-off interview, praising his teammates' performance. "Being aggressive trying to set us up get us into sets. They’ve done a phenomenal job and it’s getting better and better each game."
Tyler Kolek, another unexpected contributor, played a pivotal role off the bench. The rookie showcased his skills with five points and five assists in just 17 minutes, and his impressive plus-18 rating highlighted his positive impact on the game. With only eight turnovers throughout the match, the Knicks displayed excellent ball control, a key factor in their victory.
OG Anunoby led the Knicks with a standout performance, scoring 31 points and shooting a perfect 10 of 10 from the free-throw line, tying his career high for free-throw attempts in a game. Anunoby's scoring prowess has been on full display lately, as he has scored 23 or more points in each of his last five games. "I’ve been getting better and better each game," he stated. "That’s what it’s about. Growth. Just staying positive looking forward to the next one, always looking to grow and get better each game."
Mikal Bridges added 26 points, shooting 12 of 24 from the field, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds despite dealing with foul trouble that limited his minutes. Towns, who had a slight leg tweak in the first quarter, managed to play through the pain, demonstrating his toughness and commitment to the team.
The Bucks, missing their star player Damian Lillard due to a deep vein thrombosis, struggled to find their rhythm. Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 30 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, but his early foul trouble hindered his effectiveness. Kyle Kuzma and Ryan Rollins each added 20 points for the Bucks, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the Knicks' strong defensive performance.
New York's defense was instrumental in their victory, forcing 16 turnovers from the Bucks and converting those into 26 points. The Knicks' ability to capitalize on turnovers was crucial, especially as they built a substantial lead in the first half. They also dominated the boards, outrebounding Milwaukee 44-32, which included a staggering 14-3 advantage on the offensive glass.
As the game progressed, the Knicks faced a challenge when the Bucks cut the lead to single digits in the fourth quarter. However, Landry Shamet provided a much-needed spark, hitting two crucial three-pointers that helped extend the Knicks' lead back to double digits. Shamet finished with 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.
Josh Hart was another standout for the Knicks, nearly achieving a triple-double with 13 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. His all-around play was vital in maintaining the Knicks' momentum throughout the game.
The Knicks' victory not only bolstered their playoff positioning but also sent a message to the rest of the Eastern Conference. With the win, they improved their chances of securing the No. 3 seed and potentially facing a weakened Bucks team in the playoffs. The Knicks are currently looking to fend off the Indiana Pacers, who are just three games behind them in the standings.
Next up for the Knicks is a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The game is set to tip-off at 6 p.m. at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks will look to continue their winning ways and solidify their playoff standing.
As the Knicks move forward, they will need to maintain their focus and continue building on the chemistry developed during this challenging stretch. With players stepping up and contributing in unexpected ways, the Knicks are proving that they have the depth and determination to compete at the highest level.
In this exciting season, every game counts, and the Knicks are showing that they are ready to rise to the occasion as they push toward the playoffs.
