Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 115-102 win over New York Knicks

Kings in the fourth

Putting together a complete basketball game has been a challenge for this Bucks team throughout the season. While roughly a month ago Milwaukee was looking for their starters to stop falling behind big early, over the last couple of weeks it has been the fourth quarter that has been their downfall.

With the postseason approaching, this new tendency to let games slip away late has shown up at the wrong time, and the Bucks did well to halt the trend in their game against the Knicks. Entering the final period, Milwaukee led 80-77. The Bucks blew the Knicks out in the fourth by a margin of 35-25.

With about six minutes remaining and the Bucks losing 93-92, Joe Prunty reunited the starting lineup to make a final push. The move proved to be a winner, as Milwaukee went on a decisive run that left the Knicks reeling.

Khris Middleton kicked things off with a midrange jumper, and Tony Snell followed that up with a three to put the Bucks up 99-95. Eric Bledsoe was able to draw fouls on the following two Bucks possessions and hit four free throws, stretching the lead to 103-95.

It was at this point that Jabari Parker hit a huge three-pointer, giving the Bucks a comfortable 106-95 lead with 2:18 left in the game. Bucks fans can confirm that such a lead does not imply victory, but on this occasion the Knicks were unable to come up with any magic, and the Bucks easily made it hold up.

Bledsoe scored or assisted on all but one made basket as the Bucks took over the game with their 12-0 run. The Bucks’ point guard is coming on strong as the season closes, and he continued his strong play against New York.