Knicks Hope Christmas Momentum Extends Beyond Holiday
The New York Knicks gave those who ventured out to Madison Square Garden an unforgettable Christmas gift on Monday afternoon.
A Jalen Brunson showcase led the way to the team's first victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in four tries this season, as the Knicks took a 129-122 decision from Eastern Conference's most recent top seed. Brunson scored 38 points as the Knicks (17-12) earned their first victory against a top-three team from either conference this season.
In the aftermath, the Knicks' primary contributors kept things in perspective. While beating the Bucks (22-8) was undoubtedly a desired landmark this season, players like Josh Hart hope that the prowess and mentality displayed on Monday goes beyond the holiday festivities.
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"We're always confident coming into a game," Hart said via SNY. "I don't think we're ever looking at the schedule or the scout film and thinking 'Oh we have the Bucks, let's go out there and try to win.' That's not our mentality. No matter who it is, no matter what team it is, we feel like we have a chance to win. That's just kind of how we are."
Brunson, who became just the sixth Knick to score at least 35 on Christmas, concurred, as did head coach Tom Thibodeau.
“I want us to have the mental toughness that we can get through whatever challenge is in front of us,” Thibodeau said, per Steve Popper of Newsday, clearly hoping that confidence doesn't disappear just because the Bucks did.
"We needed to be more intense, our closeouts needed to be better, our running out to people at the line needed to be better, communication, everything," Brunson added, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. "I think that took a step in the right direction today. We made them miss, but I think we can do a better job doing that as well.”
Currently stationed in the sixth spot on the Eastern Conference playoff bracket (the last of the non-Play-In Tournament postseason spots), the Knicks have a golden opportunity to keep the momentum rolling: the calendar year closes out with a three-game road trip that begins in Oklahoma City on Wednesday (8 p.m. ET, MSG) before going to Orlando and Indiana on Friday and Saturday respectively.
