Balanced Offense, Stifling Defense Allows Bucks To Stomp Knicks 94-86

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap

The Milwaukee Bucks are typically not defensive-minded, as a rule of thumb; enter newly-hired Scott Skiles. Apparently what he taught while coach of the Chicago Bulls has caught on in Milwaukee as they blanketed the New York Knicks‘ offense on Sunday as they defeated New York 94-86 at Madison Square Garden.

The Bucks got off to a fast start initially, grabbing a 27-23 lead going into the second quarter; despite that, they despite turnovers and lousy shooting held onto a slim 49-45 lead going into halftime. Milwaukee would score the first 12 points of the third period, taking a 61-45 lead on a 3-pointer by Michael Redd. The Knicks would finally score 12 seconds later on a basket by Quentin Richardson. The Bucks would suffer for a spell as Redd suffered an ankle injury, later diagnosed as an ankle sprain; fortunately for them, they at that time had a 72-56 lead, which they would hang on to until the final horn.

Six Bucks scored in double-figures, led by Richard Jefferson and Ramon Sessions with 18 points each – with Jefferson adding 6 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal while Sessions added 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals but 5 turnovers. Charlie Villanueva and Redd added 16 apiece, with Villanueva grabbing 8 rebounds and getting a steal while Redd grabbed 2 boards and dishing out an assist. Andrew Bogut notched a double-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and 3 blocked shots.

New York was led by Richardson with 28 points, 9 rebounds and an assist while Zach Randolph added 15 with 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a blocked shot. Milwaukee (2-2) plays again on Wednesday when they host the Washington Wizards while New York (1-2) hosts the Charlotte Bobcats – also on Wednesday.

Updates, Fresh From the Oven, Straight to Your Inbox