Watch: Clutch late burst from Damian Lillard lifts Bucks over Knicks in in-season tourney kickoff
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.
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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