The in-season tournament, written off to most people as a waste of time, has turned out to be quite the spectacle put on display thanks to Adam Silver. Fans and players have stated frequently that this feels almost like a playoff atmosphere because the players especially the stars are playing for their teammates. The winning team of this tournament gets 500k per person, which means the people who barely make a roster or sit at the end of the bench appreciate this tournament so much more than people would imagine.

Out of the few early games in the knockout rounds we’ve seen teams get into the game and buy into the idea. All something the New York Knicks have made their ideal, as the constant message that’s been surrounding them is playing for more than themselves and the other guys. The Knicks after wiping out the Charlotte Hornets secured their chance to go to the knockout round where they would face the formidable Milwaukee Bucks. The last time the Knicks faced the Bucks they lost by five, and they were looking for a different result this time. However, they did not get it.

The Knicks throughout the first half were hanging with the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard were not scoring as much in the first half. Most of Dame’s points came at the end of the 2nd while Giannis tallied about 18 in the first half. However, the story of the first half was Julius Randle’s dominance, most analysts were saying he was the key to this game and he delivered. Going perfect from the field with 23 points in the first half while being guarded by an all-defense player in Giannis.

In the 2nd half, every time the Knicks seemed to keep it close in the game, the Bucks gradually pulled away. The Knick’s defense was not present, even though they are known as the #3 ranked defense in the NBA. That wasn’t the only downfall of the Knicks, the Bucks simply could not miss from three as they finished the game 23-38 shooting about 60% from the three-point line. The Knicks simply were outplayed and outmatched. Jalen Brunson struggled a bit and finished with 24 points, while RJ Barett did as well but finished with 23. Randle seemed to be the only spark with 41 points on 14-19 from the field. Despite that, the Knicks would end up losing 146-122.

However, despite the loss, this can prove to be a good thing for the Knicks. The Knicks can learn from this game, and probably match up better next time. This team when everything is clicking can compete and has shown it. It doesn’t get any easier from here, but the Knicks need to bounce back against tough teams as they face the Boston Celtics next.