The Bucks experienced a disappointing defeat at Fiserv Forum, falling 122-109 to the Knicks, marking their longest losing streak of the season with six losses in their last seven games.
However, despite the setback, they secured a playoff spot and maintain a one-game lead over both the Knicks and the Orlando Magic with a record of 46-32, positioning them as the second seed in the Eastern Conference, trailing behind the Boston Celtics.
Jalen Brunson showcased an outstanding performance for the Bucks, tallying 43 points on 32 shots along with eight assists, averaging an impressive 37.2 points in five matchups against the Bucks this season. Donte DiVincenzo contributed 26 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein added 16.
Reflecting on his performance, Brunson mentioned, “The ball just seemed to find the hoop tonight. Despite my scoring average of 37, we weren’t securing wins in previous games against them. However, tonight, we managed to turn the tide and come out victorious. Their defensive strategy had been effective in the past matchups.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 28 points and 15 rebounds, while Bobby Portis provided a significant boost off the bench with 28 points. Damian Lillard contributed 23 points, with 14 of those coming from free throws.
Antetokounmpo emphasized the team’s resilience, stating, “We refuse to adopt a losing mentality. It’s not part of our ethos. This losing streak is unfamiliar territory for us since 2021, and it’s imperative that we elevate our performance moving forward.”
