It was Dame Time in Milwaukee on Friday night.
Damian Lillard put the Milwaukee Bucks on his back, helping his new team kick off the inaugural NBA in-season tournament with a thrilling 110-105 victory over the New York Knicks. Down the home stretch, Lillard scored 15 of the Bucks' final 16 points, including two consecutive clutch baskets late.
CLOSING TIME. ⌚️ pic.twitter.com/YovzlhAZi3
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 4, 2023
First, with 1:03 to go and the Bucks trailing 103-101, Lillard hit a deep three-pointer to put the Bucks ahead. Lillard's three-pointer was the 2,400th of his career, bringing him only 50 away from tying Kyle Korver (2,450) for fifth all-time in NBA history.
Then, on the Bucks' next possession, Lillard showed up big again, driving to the cup for the hoop and harm. The three-point play put the Bucks up five points, 107-103, in a matter of 25 seconds, sealing the victory for Milwaukee.
Lillard finished the night with a team-high 30 points, shooting 7-of-15 from the floor, 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and a perfect 12-of-12 from the charity stripe. Meanwhile, the big night for Lillard took the spotlight away from an outstanding effort from Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, who recorded a game-high 45 points in the loss.
The Bucks improved to 1-0 (3-2) in the NBA's in-season tournament, while the Knicks dropped to 0-1 (2-4). On Nov. 17, both teams will play their second game within the East B bracket on the road, with the Bucks traveling to take on the Charlotte Hornets while the Washington Wizards will play host to the Knicks.
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