The Backyard crowd erupted because it hasn’t all season, exploding on the introduced sixth foul on Bucks celebrity Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The cheers grew even louder when the decision was confirmed after a evaluate. Not solely did the Knicks have a possibility to tug even, but in addition they wouldn’t should take care of “The Greek Freak” for the ultimate 59.7 seconds of regulation.
A breakthrough victory appeared real looking. Then, in a flash, it was out of attain. In hindsight, Antetokounmpo fouling out solely made the ultimate end result worse and that fateful final minute much more painful. The powerhouse Bucks nonetheless discovered a method to go away victorious Wednesday regardless of their celebrity’s absence within the last 60 seconds.
Grayson Allen sank a dagger of a 3-pointer with 30.9 seconds left, the go-ahead basket in a 109-103 victory that despatched the Knicks to their sixth loss of their previous seven residence video games.
“You must be prepared for what they’re about to do,” Jalen Brunson stated. “And so they ran an incredible play and an incredible shooter obtained a great look.”
Their third straight defeat at residence was one other agonizing end during which the Knicks fell simply brief. The losses have come by a mixed 13 factors, all determined both within the last seconds of regulation or in additional time.
The Knicks (10-12) missed seven of their 20 free-throw makes an attempt, together with 4 essential ones down the stretch, they usually couldn’t cease Allen with the sport on the road and Antetokounmpo tied to the bench. RJ Barrett tried to match Allen, however his 3-point attempt clanked off the again of the rim.
“Generally, it’s a foul bounce,” Barrett stated. “The Memphis one, [Ja Morant] obtained blocked, he obtained the ball again, he put it in. One thing like that — typically, it doesn’t go your method. Or a day like at present. I haven’t watched the play but, however that Grayson play … we had been lacking out on our assist they usually threw the ball crosscourt they usually obtained a great look. I attempted to shut the perfect I might.”
Earlier than fouling out, Antetokounmpo was good, dominating the Knicks for the second time this season and ending with 37 factors, 13 rebounds and 7 assists. He’s a part of a protracted checklist of superstars — together with Stephen Curry, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum and Ja Morant — who've tormented the Knicks this yr, ruining high quality performances like this one.
Barrett led the Knicks with 26 factors and Mitchell Robinson turned in a monster effort of 15 factors and 20 rebounds. However the duo of Julius Randle and Brunson suffered via off nights for the Knicks, as they shot a mixed 16-for-46 from the sphere, although they mixed for 35 factors.
The Knicks took solace with how properly they performed in defeat. They've carried out higher of late, beginning with their current 3-2 street journey. A number of lucky bounces and they'd not have gone 0-3 of their final three residence video games, towards the Path Blazers, Grizzlies and Bucks. They might simply have gained one, two and even all three.
“It’s powerful. However you simply can’t be discouraged,” Brunson stated. “There’s going to be quite a lot of negativity. There are going to be lots of people saying, ‘Try to be doing this, you have to be doing that’ outdoors this locker room. It’s unimaginable to not see it. It’s simply how it's in at present’s world.
“For us we've got to proceed to remain the course. It’s simply if we would like it or not. Can we click on on the proper time? Can we make a run and be a greater staff. I believe we've got the flexibility to try this. It’s simply not our time but.”
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