Knicks vs. Bucks: Analysis, Twitter Reaction and Grades
The Milwaukee Bucks earned an important win in their pursuit of a playoff spot Friday night as they defeated the New York Knicks 119-114 at the Bradley Center.
The Bucks are now just two games behind the Knicks for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
With the loss, New York is now on a four-game losing streak and is now slumping at the wrong time in the season. With a tough schedule ahead, the Knicks cannot afford to play poorly for much longer.
Let's recap tonight's win by the Bucks.
Tweets of the Night
Tommy Beer of Hoopsworld drops some stats that Knicks fan's won't want to read.
"Knicks allowed over 100 points just 6 times over their 1st 34 games this season... Opponents have now scored > 100 in 5 of last 6. #Defense
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) March 10, 2012"
Twitter user Russ Bengtson asks a funny question following the New York Jets giving quarterback Mark Sanchez a new contract extension Friday night.
"An hour from now, the Knicks will give Baron Davis a five-year extension. #jets
— Russ Bengtson (@russbengtson) March 10, 2012"
Bruce Beck of WNBC-TV in New York tells us about the Knicks recent slump.
"Lin-Sanity seems like a decade ago! #Knicks have now lost 4 in a row and 7 of 10!
— Bruce Beck (@BruceBeck4NY) March 10, 2012"
Grades for Key Knicks Players
Jeremy Lin: B+
Jeremy Lin scored 20 points, dished out 13 assists and had four steals in an impressive performance against the Bucks.
Lin turned the ball over just five times and shot 8-of-14 from the field in a team-high 41 minutes of playing time. Lin was plus-13 while on the floor proving again that the Knicks have to find ways to be more effective offensively when he goes to the bench needing a rest or because of foul trouble.
Amar'e Stoudemire: A-
Amar'e Stoudemire led the Knicks with 27 points and also grabbed 11 rebounds in a very strong performance Friday night.
He shot 11-of-15 from the field and played well at both ends of the floor. If the Knicks are going to make the playoffs, they need Stoudemire to be a consistent double-double guy and play solid defense like he did against the Bucks.
Grades for Key Bucks Players
Ersan Ilyasova: B+
Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova had a remarkable game with 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting. He's one of the better shooters on Milwaukee and is capable of scoring in bunches when he's hot from the outside. He also grabbed three rebounds and shot 6-of-7 from the foul line in 36 minutes of play.
Brandon Jennings: A-
Brandon Jennings proved why he's one of the better young guards in basketball tonight with a strong performance of 25 points, 10 assists and five rebounds.
Jennings did it all on Friday night and found ways to get himself quality scoring chances while making sure his teammates were also involved in the offense.
Deciding Factor: Bench play
The Bucks bench outscored the Knicks bench 42-24 in Friday night's game, and this was a major reason Milwaukee was able to earn a close win.
Bucks forward Mike Dunleavy scored 25 points himself off the bench on 10-of-16 shooting. Backup center Larry Sanders added nine points and 11 rebounds off the bench in a strong defensive performance.
The Knicks had four players see action from the bench, but only forward Steve Novak scored in double digits.
Game MVP: Mike Dunleavy
Even though Jennings and Ilyasova had strong games, Dunleavy's contribution off the bench really made the difference tonight for Milwaukee.
If the Bucks want to make the playoffs, they need to get greater offense from the bench on a more consistent basis. Dunleavy's 25 points were a huge reason the Bucks earned a crucial win tonight.
What's Next?
The Bucks will have Saturday off as they travel to Toronto for a Sunday matchup with the Raptors. The Knicks are also off Saturday and will host the Atlantic Division leading Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday before a showdown on the road against the Chicago Bulls Monday.
