New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Analysis, Top Tweets and Grades
The New York Knicks went into the Bradley Center on Wednesday night and escaped with a key victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, 111-107. The win gave the Knicks a two-game cushion over the Bucks in the race for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture with only eight contests left on the schedule for each team.
Tweets of the Night
What's the matter, Aaron Rodgers? The Green Bay Packers don't open training camp for a while. Too busy to show your support in person?
"Wish I could b there tonight at the Bradley center to watch the Bucks move into the 8th spot.Show monta, drew, bj, and the rest of the ...
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) April 11, 2012"
"...deers some love tonight! #bemilwaukee
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) April 11, 2012"
Not that Mike Dunleavy Jr. cares, about A-Rod or the Knicks defense. He'll karate chop the living daylights out of anyone who'd dare challenge him!
Or, as NBA.com's John Schuhmann notes, torment New York with a surprisingly explosive performance:
"Someone forgot to tell Mike Dunleavy that the Knicks are a good defensive team now.
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) April 12, 2012"
Tell me if you can spot the difference in the Knicks' performance, as highlighted by the good folks at 3030fm.com:
"New York Knicks Under D'Antoni & Woodsonyfrog.com/0ibdqp
— 3030 (@jose3030) April 12, 2012"
Must-See Highlight
Monta Ellis' best game as a member of the Bucks was filled with great plays and spectacular shots. Though none can quite top this one-man steal-and-slam:
Grades for Key Knicks Players
Carmelo continued his scoring tear for the Knicks, this time with 32 points on 13-of-26 shooting, along with 10 rebounds, against the Bucks. Unfortunately for New York, Anthony re-injured his hand halfway through the fourth quarter, thereby putting the Knickerbockers in a tough spot as they pursue the eighth seed in the East down the stretch.
Tyson Chandler: A
Tyson Chandler had himself a perfect night in Milwaukee, even if the Knicks didn't. The big man finished with 19 points on 6-of-6 shooting from the field and 7-of-7 from the free-throw line, along with his usual 11 rebounds.
Is it any wonder that Chandler is leading the NBA in field-goal percentage by a mile-and-a-half this season?
Grades for Key Bucks Players
Brandon Jennings: A-
In a battle of Los Angeles point guards, between Brandon Jennings and Baron Davis, it was the young fella who came out on top by a hefty margin. The Compton native poured in 22 points, along with four rebounds, seven assists and just three turnovers.
Monta Ellis: A-
Monta Ellis had his finest game in a Bucks uniform, piling up 35 points, six rebounds, a game-high 10 assists, and four steals. What's more, those big numbers came opposite Knicks rookie Iman Shumpert, who's established himself as one of the best perimeter defenders in basketball this season.
The only drawback? Ellis wound up turning the ball over five times.
Deciding Factor: Free-Throw Shooting
The Bucks and the Knicks were nearly even in just about every phase of this game, including free-throw attempts.
The difference? New York made 23 of its 27 attempts, while Milwaukee hit just 15 of its 24. A few more makes, and the Bucks would be tied for the last playoff spot in the East right now.
Game MVP: 'Melo
'Melo continued to come into his own as a Knickerbocker with yet another game with 30 points or more—his third such game in his last five and fourth in seven.
He's far and away the biggest reason the Knicks have been able to weather the absences of Amar'e Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin without falling out of the playoff race.
What's Next?
Both teams will play again Friday, when the Knicks return to New York to welcome the woeful Washington Wizards to Madison Square Garden, while the Bucks mosey up to the Motor City to take on the Detroit Pistons.
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