On December 26, Beijing time, in the opening game of the Christmas game, the New York Knicks, who were playing at home, defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 129-122. Full time score (Knicks at -31 in the back.)
Bucks: Lillard 32 points, 1 rebound and 8 assists, Antetokounmpo 32 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists, Middleton 24 points, 2 rebounds and 6 assists, Lopez 14 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist, Portis 12 points and 8 rebounds, Connaughton 3 points, 7 rebounds and 1 assist, Payne 3 points and 1 assist, Jackson 2 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist, Beasley 3 rebounds and 2 assists, Beecam 1 rebound.
Knicks: Brunson 38 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists, Randle 24 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists, Barrett 21 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist, Quickley 20 points and 1 assist, Hartenstein 11 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists, Hart 10 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists, DiVincenzo 3 points, 1 rebound and 4 assists, Grimes 2 points, 1 rebound and 2 assists, Gibson 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
The Knicks didn't start the game well and gradually trailed the Bucks by four points. But as the game progressed, the Knicks gradually got into the groove, tying the score and overtaking by 12 points. Brunson scored 15 points in the first quarter to give the Knicks a 36-27 lead.
In the second quarter, the two sides were deadlocked, but the Knicks maintained the lead and led 62-51, with Randle scoring 10 points in the quarter.
In the third quarter, the Knicks were still in good shape, and the opening wave of offense extended the advantage to 14 points. Although the Bucks fought back to narrow the deficit to four points, the Knicks remained stable on offense and stretched the score wide. Antetokounmpo scored 17 points in the quarter to give the Knicks a 98-87 lead.
In the fourth quarter, the Knicks were still in excellent form, and the opening wave of offense extended the advantage to 16 points. Although the Bucks fought back again, the Knicks kept the pace and stretched the score wide. Quickley scored 11 points in the quarter and Middleton scored 15, but in the end the Knicks won the game 129-122.
Bucks starters: Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Chris Middleton, Brooke Lopez, Malik Beasley.
Knicks starters: Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, R.J. Barrett, Isaiah Hartenstein, Dante DiVincenzo.