Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from 109-95 win over New York Knicks

Giannis Antetokounmp-ho-ho-ho

Although there were some usual highlight flashes here and there, Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo put in a rather understated, yet commanding performance to lead the way for the Bucks in their win over the Knicks.

Playing just over 35 minutes of action, Antetokounmpo finished with a game-high 30 points on 13-of-21 shooting from the field (0-of-2 from deep, 4-of-7 from the free throw line), 14 rebounds, four steals, three assists, two blocks as well as two turnovers, and was a +15 on the day.

With his first field goal of the game coming at the 6:35 mark of the opening period, Antetokounmpo flashed off his jumper on multiple occasions, which looked smooth from the mid-range area. That threat gave the two-time All-Star some leeway in terms of how opposing defenders checked him and that only gave Antetokounmpo the room he needed to attack the basket in his trademark fashion.

Switching sides, Antetokounmpo was as much of an enforcer defensively as he has been at any point this year, as his length and anticipation led to him poking the ball free from Knicks ball-handlers and pulverizing blocks when rotating to protect the rim, respectively.

Considering all the excitement surrounding Giannis, and what kind of show he could put on entering his first Christmas day game, Antetokounmpo more than delivered on the hype while making his debut on the famed nationally televised holiday slate.