- Anunoby scores 20 final-frame points in career-night performance
- Knicks complete first regular-season sweep of Bucks since 2010
- Milwaukee drops to 6th seed with third straight loss
- New York's bench outproduces Bucks reserves 29-14
The New York Knicks cemented their status as Eastern Conference contenders with a decisive 116-107 road victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. OG Anunoby's fourth-quarter explosion (20 points) highlighted a strategic masterclass from Tom Thibodeau's squad, who improved to 3-0 against Milwaukee this season. This marks the first time in 14 years that the Knicks have swept the regular-season series against their division rivals.
New York's defensive intensity proved decisive, converting 16 Milwaukee turnovers into 26 points. The Knicks' +13 advantage in points off turnovers offset Giannis Antetokounmpo's 30-point effort, demonstrating their playoff-ready formula of opportunistic defense and balanced scoring. With Jalen Brunson sidelined, Delon Wright's 12-point contribution epitomized New York's next-man-up mentality that's become their season hallmark.
The victory carries significant playoff implications, potentially setting up a first-round rematch. Since the NBA's playoff format change in 2016, teams completing regular-season sweeps are 11-3 in subsequent playoff series against those opponents. New York's physical style caused matchup problems all season, holding Milwaukee 18 points below their season average in Friday's clash.
Milwaukee's defensive struggles reached crisis levels, allowing 115+ points for the eighth consecutive game. The Bucks' recent 1-5 skid coincides with increased minutes for bench players like Ryan Rollins, whose career-high 20 points couldn't mask systemic issues. With three weeks remaining, coach Doc Rivers faces mounting pressure to stabilize a defense ranked 22nd in efficiency since the All-Star break.
New York's road victory underscores their evolution into legitimate contenders. The Knicks improved to 18-6 against .500+ teams since acquiring Anunoby, the league's best mark in that span. Their +7.3 net rating against playoff-bound opponents suggests they're built for postseason success, particularly when forcing 15+ turnovers (21-3 record this season).
As both teams prepare for Sunday matchups, the Knicks appear playoff-ready while Milwaukee scrambles to regain form. New York's ability to win with defense and depth provides a blueprint for April success, while the Bucks' fading home-court hopes could force them into unfavorable road series throughout the playoffs.