Antetokounmpo Scores 37, Rollins Adds 25 in Bucks’ 121–111 Victory over Knicks

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Milwaukee — Giannis Antetokounmpo powered the Milwaukee Bucks with 37 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists as the Bucks overcame a 12-point halftime deficit to defeat the New York Knicks 121–111 on Tuesday night. Ryan Rollins contributed a career-high 25 points for Milwaukee, helping to erase New York’s early control of the game. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 36 points but suffered a leg injury midway through the fourth quarter that shifted the game’s momentum. Brunson first appeared to injure his leg while diving for a loose ball but continued to play through visible discomfort. Moments later, while dribbling beyond the three-point line near the Bucks’ bench, he fell backward in clear pain, losing possession. Antetokounmpo capitalized with a steal and fast-break dunk to tie the game at 103 with 6:13 remaining, igniting an 8–0 Milwaukee run. Although Brunson remained in the game after a timeout, the Knicks were unable to regain control. Antetokounmpo’s driving layup with 5:31 left gave Milwaukee the lead for good. Mikal Bridges added 24 points for New York, which saw its five-game winning streak against the Bucks come to an end.

The Bucks had entered the contest after a 118–113 loss to Cleveland, a game played without Kevin Porter Jr. (sprained left ankle), Kyle Kuzma (sprained left ankle), and Cole Anthony (illness). Kuzma and Anthony both returned Tuesday, but Porter missed his third consecutive game.

Head coach Doc Rivers emphasized patience regarding Porter’s recovery: “We’re not going to rush him because we don’t want this to become chronic,” Rivers said before the game. “It was a bad turn, so we just want to be patient.” New York continues to be without center Mitchell Robinson, who has yet to play this season as the team monitors his left ankle injury.

Up Next:

• Knicks: at the Chicago Bulls on Friday.

• Bucks: host the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.