Giannis Antetokounmpo achieved 26 points and Bobby Portis attained a double-double from the bench, contributing to the visiting Milwaukee Bucks’ 130-111 win over the New York Knicks on Saturday afternoon. Only Jets fans were anticipating Aaron Rodgers’ return.

The Bucks led for the majority of the game, marking the first game of a back-to-back series between the Eastern Conference opponents. Portis accumulated 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Antetokounmpo added seven rebounds and seven assists for the Bucks, who have secured victory in seven consecutive games. The teams are scheduled to play again in New York on Monday afternoon.

Khris Middleton notched 20 points, and Malik Beasley and Damian Lillard each contributed 19 in the triumph.

Jalen Brunson scored 36 points and Isaiah Hartenstein achieved 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Knicks, who have a 5-5 record this month. Julius Randle contributed 26 points, while RJ Barrett (13 points) and Donte DiVincenzo (11 points) also achieved double-digit scores.

The Knicks acquired their only lead at 7-6 on Brunson’s 3-pointer with 9:10 remaining in the first quarter. Lillard reacted with a 3-pointer, and New York narrowed the gap to one point five more times before Milwaukee initiated a 15-4 surge, establishing a 34-22 lead on Antetokounmpo’s tip-in with 2:32 remaining.

The Bucks were ahead 36-27 after the first quarter and conceded the Knicks to narrow the gap to seven points on four occasions before embarking on a 15-6 run, resulting in a 60-44 lead with 2:35 left. Brunson scored eight points in a 10-2 run to end the quarter, reducing the deficit to 62-54 by hitting a 21-footer at the buzzer.

In the third quarter, Antetokounmpo and Lillard each contributed 10 points, aiding the Bucks in outscoring the Knicks 38-33 and establishing a lead of as much as 18 points. Barrett’s jumper with 9:48 remaining in the fourth quarter reduced the Bucks’ lead to 103-92, but Milwaukee orchestrated an 11-0 run while New York missed eight consecutive shots. The hosts failed to narrow the deficit to less than 16 points for the duration of the game.