The Knicks got a glimpse at the grim reality they would have faced if they gave into fans’ offseason demands of trading Julius Randle in their 102-96 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. The victory improved New York’s record to 24-22.
The Bucks had seven inactive players including superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, All-Star-level players in Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, and key role players in P.J. Tucker, Bobby Portis, Donte DiVincenzo, but Randle missing his first game of the season due to a hamstring injury had a comparable impact.
The only regular starter the Bucks had healthy was Brook Lopez, who averages just 11.