5 Takeaways From Milwaukee Bucks’ Double-Digit Comeback Against Knicks

The Milwaukee Bucks have quickly turned into a team nobody wants to play. They’re now 3–1 after storming back from a double-digit halftime deficit to beat the New York Knicks, 118–112, at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday night.

Down 12 at the break, Milwaukee looked sluggish and disjointed. The Knicks dropped 45 points in the second quarter, hitting eight of their ten threes and carving up the Bucks’ defense in every way imaginable.

Then came the third-quarter reset — a reenergized, refocused Bucks squad that ripped control of the game back behind Giannis Antetokounmpo’s relentlessness and Doc Rivers’ tweaks. After reviewing the film, here are five takeaways from the comeback win.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Historic Start

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s start to the season borders on mythic. After two games, he became the first player in NBA history to record 60+ points, 30+ rebounds, and 10+ assists. After three, he was the first ever with 100+ points, 40+ rebounds, and 15+ assists.

Now, through four games, he’s sitting at 140+ points, 50+ rebounds, and 20+ assists — another first in NBA history.

It’s to the point where it’s disrespectful to refer to him as one of the three best players in the league. He’s clearly on top of his game and won’t be denied.

2. Giannis Attacking the Rim

The numbers almost don’t do justice to how punishing Giannis’ rim pressure has been. Against New York, he went 14-for-14 inside the restricted area and just 2-for-8 outside of it.

The Knicks had no answer — no shot blocker to meet him at the rim, no defender quick or strong enough to stay in front. He bullied his way to easy buckets all night.

Through four games, Giannis is averaging 26.5 points in the paint per night — first in the NBA by a mile. The gap between him and Luka Dončić at No. 2 is the same as the gap between Dončić and Alex Sarr at No. 18.

3. AJ Green Needs More Shots

AJ Green didn’t attempt a single shot in the first half against the Knicks. That’s a problem.

Unlike Doc Rivers did for J.J. Redick, he doesn’t call plays for Green. That’s a mistake.

Right now, they rely solely on drive and kicks, and using Green as the screener for Giannis. Rivers needs to dust off his old Redick playbook and begin calling floppys and other sets that manufacture Green open threes.

Rivers must’ve realized Green didn’t take a shot in the first half, because he dialed up a two-man action between him and Antetokounmpo to begin the second half. It resulted in a three for Green, who also hit his next two outside attempts in the second half.

On the season, Green is shooting 59.1 percent from behind the arc. Enough is enough. It’s time to feature him more intentionally.

4. The Bench Rotations Are Still a Work in Progress

Rivers’ rotations have been puzzling early on. Too often, he’s running full-bench units with little to no creation. Without Kevin Porter Jr., Giannis, or Ryan Rollins on the floor, the Bucks are leaning heavily on Cole Anthony, Kyle Kuzma, and Bobby Portis to create — with mixed results.

According to PBPStats.com, Milwaukee ranks third in frequency of all-bench lineups (11.5 percent of possessions) but 20th in net rating (-11). The numbers are even worse when they play one starter with four reserves (15.1 percent frequency, -14.5 net rating).

The fix is simple: keep at least two steady offensive engines on the floor at all times. A combo like Antetokounmpo or Myles Turner with Green or Gary Trent Jr. should anchor second units until Porter Jr. returns.

5. Myles Turner’s Shot Will Fall

Turner’s perimeter shot remains stuck in neutral — just 5-for-22 (22.7 percent) from three through four games after a 1-for-5 showing against New York.

The process, though, is fine. He’s getting clean looks within the flow of the offense, the kind Milwaukee wants him taking. His career 36-percent clip suggests it’s only a matter of time before the numbers normalize.

And even without the jumper falling, his impact is clear. The Bucks are outscoring opponents by nearly five points per 100 possessions with Turner on the court, largely due to his defense and communication. He’s blocking shots, quarterbacking rotations, and constantly talking.

His high-low chemistry with Giannis isn’t fully synced yet, but it’s promising. Once the shot catches up, Milwaukee’s frontcourt could be even more terrifying.