Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks 2/1/13: Video Highlights and Recap

After a slow start on the defensive end, the New York Knicks turned it on in the second half to top the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night, 96-86.

New York allowed Milwaukee to score 53 points in the first half and looked lackadaisical in their effort, while only mustering up 47 points on the offensive end.

However, the second half was a totally different story as the Knicks held the Bucks to just 33 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, en route to victory.

Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 25 points on a lackluster 7-of-22 shooting performance. Tyson Chandler had a monster game for New York on the boards, netting nine points and grabbing a sensational 20 rebounds to go with two blocks.

The Bucks were dreadful from the floor in this game, shooting at a 39 percent clip. Ersan Ilyasova was Milwaukee's leading scorer with 19, while Monta Ellis had a solid all-round performance with 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Player of the Game: Carmelo Anthony

Who else would it be?

'Melo had a terrific all-around game, despite his shooting being less-than-stellar.

Along with his 25 points, Anthony had eight rebounds, six assists and one steal. He was also 3-of-8 from downtown and truly showed why he's being considered for the MVP award this season.

What's Next for New York

The Knicks have won three games in a row and have a great shot to continue their hot streak as they take on the lowly Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

What's Next for Milwaukee

The Bucks are now losers in their last two contests and will look to snap that mini-streak as they welcome the Orlando Magic into town on Saturday night.