10 NBA things to watch for on Christmas Day

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 7: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 7, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 01: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against Noah Vonleh #32 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 1, 2018 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Bucks 136-134 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

10. Giannis in Madison Square Garden

During Giannis Antetokoumpo’s last trip to Madison Square Garden on Dec. 1, he finished with 33 points on 10-of-17 shooting, 19 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks in 42 minutes. The Milwaukee Bucks lost to the New York Knicks that night, 136-134.

Think he won’t be out for revenge?

Madison Square Garden has played host to countless legendary performances throughout NBA history, many of which came from members of the opposing team. From Kobe Bryant’s 61-burger in 2009 to Michael Jordan’s double-nickel in 1995, the Knicks have fallen victim to plenty of outrageous scoring outbursts over the years.

The Greek Freak may have next.

The Knicks have the league’s second-worst defense this season, while the Bucks have the top-ranked offense. With head coach Mike Budenholzer at the helm, Antetokounmpo is more deadly than ever. He’s setting career-high marks in field-goal percentage, rebounds and assists per game, and he dropped a season-high 44 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Dec. 14.

The only thing that may limit the Greek Freak’s output on Christmas Day is if the Bucks run out to an insurmountable lead. But if the Knicks can keep the game close heading into the fourth quarter, Giannis may etch his name alongside Kobe, Jordan, LeBron James and Stephen Curry as the latest superstar to single-handedly bury the Knicks in Madison Square Garden with a vintage outing.

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