By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his first triple-double of the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season for the Milwaukee Bucks in the win, 112-97, versus the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden Sunday.
The Greek Freak produced 20 points, 11 assists, and ten rebounds along with one steal and one block in the 12th win over the last 14 games. Apart from opening the triple-double account, his 18th point of the matinee meeting entered him on the list of players scoring 13,000 Regular Season points.
The defending NBA champions never trailed with the lead peaking at 21 points midway in the second quarter against the shorthanded Knicks missing R.J. Barrett and Obi Toppin, both in the league’s health and safety protocols. Seven players got in double-digits, including Khris Middleton landing the game-high 24 points behind 8/17 field goals. “I really thought the focus of the team today was good,” said head coach Mike Budenholzer after the game.
Georgian Sandro Mamukelashvili did not get on the board in a limited appearance, while Thanasis Antetokounmpo stayed on the bench. For the losing side, French starter Evan Fournier was held to six points and 2/8 field goals to go along with three assists, two rebounds, and one steal in 27 minutes. Croatian Luka Samanic remained assigned to the Westchester Knicks in the G League.
The Bucks improved to 18-10 are now only one game behind the Eastern Conference standings leaders Brooklyn Nets. The Knicks down to 12-15 are one game below the last spot leading to the Play-In Round.
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