Knicks pull it out behind Mudiay

NEW YORK 136 MILWAUKEE 134 (OT)

Emmanuel Mudiay scored 28 points to lead the host New York Knicks to a 136-134 overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.

Mudiay made a three-point basket to tie the score 124-124 before the Knicks forced Giannis Antetokounmpo into a shot-clock violation, setting up the extra period.

“One thing about our team is that we’re always going to fight,” Mudiay said. “We don’t play the scoreboard. That’s the one thing coach [David Fizdale] always preaches.”

Rookie forward Kevin Knox scored a career-high 26 points for the Knicks.

Antetokounmpo had 33 points and 19 rebounds, and was angry at forward Mario Hezonja, who early in the first quarter dunked on the Milwaukee star, then stared and stepped over him, much to the delight of the Madison Square Garden crowd.

“I’m going to punch him in the [groin] next time,” Antetokounmpo said.

The teams play Christmas day in New York.

Hezonja, who was unaware of Antetokounmpo’s words, did note the crowd reaction to his only basket of the game.

“Honestly, if you’re afraid, this is not for you,” Hezonja said. “I don’t want to be disrespectful but if you feel fear, this is not the place for you. New York is not a place for you and this team is not a place for you.”

at Detroit 111, Golden State 102: Blake Griffin scored 26 points and the Pistons spoiled Stephen Curry’s return after sitting out 11 games because of a groin strain. Curry had 27 points.

Toronto 106, at Cleveland 95: Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and the Raptors won their eighth consecutive game even though Kyle Lowry sat out because of an unspecified back injury.

at Washington 102, Brooklyn 88: John Wall scored 30 points and theh Wizards handed the Nets their sixth loss in a row.

at Houston 121, Chicago 105: James Harden made six three-point baskets and had 30 points to help lift the Rockets. Boston 118, at Minnesota 109: Gordon Hayward had a season-high 30 points to help the Celtics win their third game in a row.

at Sacramento 111, Indiana 110: Willie Cauley-Stein’s dunk with 16.1 seconds to play was the winner. He finished with 17 points.