Madison Square Garden will host its second matinee game within three days when the New York Knicks (16-12) face the Milwaukee Bucks on Christmas Day.
Over their last three matchups, the Bucks have outscored the Knicks by 48 points and shot 54% from deep. As for New York, they shot 29% from downtown. The problem might be mental—the Knicks are a good shooting team, and Milwaukee’s defense is favorable to the longball, so maybe the ‘Bockers just get stage fright against Giannis and Dame?
Then again, the Bucks also stole the ball 12 times on Saturday, so maybe their defense is improving after all.
Fun fact: In 1947, the New York Knicks beat the Providence Steamrollers at Madison Square Garden in the first NBA game played on Christmas Day.
Over the years, the Knicks have played some memorable Christmas games. In 1984, Bernard King scored 60 points in a loss to the New Jersey Nets. In 1985, Patrick Ewing led New York in overcoming a 25-point deficit against the Boston Celtics; and then Big Pat nailed a buzzer-beater to defeat the Chicago Bulls the following year. Boy, I miss that guy.
The Knicks last played on Christmas in 2021, securing a 101-87 victory against the Hawks. If we’re lucky, something momentous will occur in today’s game. If we’re really lucky, it won’t be something Damian Lillard or Giannis Antetokounmpo do.
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