TRIPLE THREATENING
Talented Bucks trio too much for Knicks
MILWAUKEE — The Knicks will never have to see Bradley Center again, but will have to deal with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and, perhaps, Jabari Parker for many more years.
Though the Knicks hung with the Bucks for the first three quarters, “The Greek Freak’’ was too much of a force to withstand. Antetokounmpo poured in 28 points and the Bucks beat the Knicks, 120-112, in their last visit to Bradley Center. The loss clinched the Knicks’ fifth straight losing season as they fell to 24-42.
Antetokounmpo also added 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and made 14 of 18 free throws, with Lance Thomas, in particular, playing physical defense on the 6-foot-11 wing.
Antetokounmpo may have danced to the hoop illegally a few times, but that’s the new NBA, as Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek noted.
“Now that they allow the Eurostep that you can go from the top of the key, the halfcourt line, to the basket without dribbling, it’s tough to guard him because he’s good at it and he has long strides,’’ Hornacek cracked. “He’s really worked on his body. Now, he’s a lot stronger. It’s a maturity and growth in the game that makes him a great player. He’s hard to stop.”
Parker, who made his season debut versus the Knicks on Feb. 2 after being out one year with a torn ACL, hit his first four shots and finished with 12 points and five assists in 22 minutes. Middleton added a game-high 30 for the Bucks (35-31).
Led by a stirring outing from newcomer Troy Williams, who racked up a team-high 18 points, the Knicks finished 26-29 all-time at Bradley Center, which is closing after 30 years, with the Bucks moving to a new arena across the street next season.
The Knicks, who have lost 14 of their past 15 games, also ended up 0-4 on this melancholy road trip.
This was their first meeting against the Bucks since Kristaps Porzingis tore his ACL against in a loss to Milwaukee on Feb. 6 at the Garden.
“[Parker] played against us when he came back and did pretty well against us,’’ Hornacek said before the game. “When you watch it on film, one thing that’s a little surprising is how explosive he still is. That’s a good sign to see when KP comes back.’’
A Williams three-point play — a baseline drive and foul — got the Knicks even at 89-all with 20 seconds left in the third. Williams, who is on his second 10-day contract, is getting in passing lanes for steals and excelling on the fastbreak.
“He’s been great,’’ Hornacek said. “He has that athleticism to go for an [offensive] rebound and still get back on defense. He’s earned it [sticking for the season].”
The Bucks took a 91-89 lead into the fourth — juiced by a vicious block by Antetokounmpo at the buzzer on a driving layup by Emmanuel Mudiay.
With Antetokounmpo leading the way, the Bucks started the fourth quarter on a 12-4 run and the Knicks were history.
It wasn’t a totally dispiriting night. Aside from Williams’ big outing, the slumping Mudiay showed signs of life in the second half after a horrendous first half. He finished with 19 points — all after the break — and four assists.
Mudiay came into the contest shooting 3-for-25 over the trip’s first three games.
“It was good for his confidence,’’ Hornacek said. “He came out in the second half and responded. He put more force into it rather than playing smooth.’’
Late in the first half, Mudiay was in for a horrific two-minute stint that contained turnovers on three straight possessions. He got stripped attempting a drive, then threw one pass out of bounds before another was intercepted and led to a fastbreak hoop for the Bucks.
Hornacek had no choice but to yank Mudiay at the next stoppage and the coach spoke to him for several seconds before he took his seat. Hornacek said he told Mudiay that, after making one turnover, he needs to forget about it and remain composed.
“I just forgot about the first half,’’ Mudiay said. “We were still in the game. My shot wasn’t falling the last three games. I had to figure out how to get to the basket. That’s what I do best.’’