Knicks Dominate Bucks 127-98 Behind Brunson’s Scorching First Quarter
Jalen Brunson put on a clinic Friday night in Milwaukee. Twenty-two points in the first quarter alone. Nine of 10 shots. All three three-pointers. A performance so efficient, so relentless, that the Bucks never really had a chance.
By the time the final buzzer sounded at Fiserv Forum, the New York Knicks had routed Milwaukee 127-98, ending their road trip on a high note and pushing their record to 38-22.
Brunson Sets the Tone Early
The Knicks came out swinging. Brunson didn’t ease into the game — he attacked it. Stepback jumpers. Floating runners. Pull-up threes. Whatever Milwaukee threw at him, he had an answer. His 22 first-quarter points were the most by any Knicks player in a single quarter this season, and the damage was done before the Bucks could blink.
“He got it going,” Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said afterward.
That’s an understatement. Brunson finished with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 30 minutes. He barely needed more time than that.
Everyone Got Involved
This wasn’t a one-man show, though. OG Anunoby was a problem all night — 24 points on 8-of-10 shooting, including five threes. He made it look effortless. Karl-Anthony Towns quietly stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points and 13 rebounds, a double-double that kept the Bucks’ frontcourt honest.
Off the bench, Landry Shamet knocked down five threes and finished with 15 points. Josh Hart did Josh Hart things — 12 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists. Mikal Bridges added 10 points and a game-high 6 assists. Mohamed Diawara chipped in 10 of his own.
The Knicks shot 50% from three-point range on the night, going 21-for-42 from deep. That number is almost unfair.
The Bucks Couldn’t Keep Up
Milwaukee entered this game hot. They’d won eight of their last 10. They were one of the league’s most prolific offensive teams. None of that mattered on Friday night.
The Bucks committed 16 turnovers, which the Knicks converted into 19 points. Myles Turner looked sharp early — 18 of his 19 points came in the first half — but faded as New York’s defense tightened. Kyle Kuzma added 17, and Bobby Portis came off the bench with 14, but it was never close enough to matter.
The absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo loomed large. Milwaukee’s superstar missed his 14th consecutive game with a strained right calf. He’s been practicing, and the hope is that he returns soon. But without him, this Bucks team simply doesn’t have the firepower to hang with a locked-in Knicks squad.
A Historic Night for Brunson
Beyond the win, Friday marked another milestone for Brunson. He became the fastest Knick in franchise history to surpass 7,000 career points, and he now ranks 18th all-time on the franchise’s scoring list.
That’s the kind of context that matters. Brunson isn’t just playing well — he’s carving out a legacy in New York. Every big night adds another chapter.
What’s Next
The Knicks head home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. After a dominant road trip finale like this, they’ll carry serious momentum into Madison Square Garden.
The Bucks, meanwhile, travel to Chicago to face the Bulls, also on Sunday. With a 26-32 record and a healthy Giannis still not available, Milwaukee’s playoff picture gets murkier by the game.
For the Knicks, though? Everything is clicking. Brunson is playing like an All-Star. The supporting cast is stepping up. And the wins keep coming.
