No one would blame you for having other plans besides watching a Saturday night game against the New York Knicks after winning the most highly anticipated regular season game of the year thus far just two days earlier. Nevertheless, there was a basketball game to be played and the Milwaukee Bucks took care of business just as they should, winning 123-102.

After exploding out of the gate with a 23-7 run and hitting the first six threes attempted, the Bucks never had to look back. The margin got as low as nine points in the second quarter but Milwaukee was bigger, better, and more experienced than the rebuilding Knicks.

Wes Matthews was replaced in the starting lineup by Ersan Ilyasova, as Matthews was listed as out with a thigh contusion. The starters didn’t skip a beat and no player had to play more than 27 minutes to coast to a win.

Khris Middleton led the scoring for a change with 23 points to go with six rebounds, five assists, three steals, and a block. An all around great game for Khris was achieved in just 24 minutes on 7-17 shooting.

Just because Giannis didn’t lead in scoring doesn’t mean he didn’t have an impact. In fact, Giannis recorded his third triple-double of the season with 22/11/10 in 26 minutes on 8-10 shooting and 2-4 from deep. Utterly ridiculous efficiency.

Nearly every Buck had a great shooting night. Kyle Korver was back at it with 17 on 6-10 shooting. George Hill was continued his efficient bench scoring with 10 on 4-6. Donte has been consistent lately and had himself 13 on 5-8. Even our starting PF Ersan kept it clean with 10 on 3-4.

Brook Lopez fits into that group with 14 on 5-11 and 4-8 from three, a season-high for him. But he took absolute hold of the paint, blocking seven shots, one shy of his career-high. He continues to be the most dominant defensive paint force in the league. When he’s hitting is outside shots, there’s no one better at the center position.

Milwaukee improved their NBA-best record to 26-4. They will get back in action tomorrow against their old friend, Malcolm Brogdon, and the Indiana Pacers. Tip is set for 6:00 p.m. CT.

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