There were fireworks the last time the Bucks and Knicks hooked up at Madison Square Garden. On Christmas day, we’ll have the rematch.
The last time the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks got together for a game at Madison Square Garden, journeyman Mario Hezonja decided to show up superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Hezonja’s poster of Giannis, which is a rarity for the young star, served as the fuel to what was an epic battle on the NBA’s biggest stage. The Knicks (9-25) would pull that game out, a huge win in what is, otherwise, turning out to be a lost season for Gotham’s home team.
While the Knicks have been reeling, they do continue the tradition of playing on Christmas Day, and in the 2018 edition, they’ll once again be face-to-face with the Bucks, a team that is looking more and more like an Eastern Conference contender.
Except for Dec. 22 against the Miami Heat.
With their normally high-octane offense stymied by a stifling Miami defense, the Bucks were held to 87 points and were left searching for answers to get their offense back into gear.
They may find that gear in a Knicks team that has a 114.9 defensive rating and have had problems all year stopping opponents on that end of the floor. New York has lost nine of their last 10 games, with the Knicks giving up over 110 points in every game during the skid.
Bucks at Knicks live stream details
When: Tuesday, Dec. 25
Time: 12 pm EST/11 am CST
Where: New York NY
Venue: Madison Square Garden
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: Watch ESPN
So, with a Bucks team that will be hunting for revenge in the Garden, New York could be in for another tough game on defense. It’s not like their offense is any better, as they’ve scored over 110 points just once in their skid. Their game against Milwaukee will be their last home game before embarking on a six-game West Coast road trip.
On the flip side, the Bucks will be home for the next six games after visiting the Garden for Christmas.