Derrick Williams has been playing well for the Knicks so far this season. And he’s obviously feeling more confident, which is why he looked so comfortable stepping into a three-pointer Friday night against the Bucks. The only problem was that Giannis Antetokounmpo was right there and was easily able to use his considerable length to emphatically deny Williams’ attempt.
At halftime, the Greek Freak had 10 points on 50 percent shooting to go along with a pair of steals. Williams had 11 points at the break on an efficient 3-of-5 shooting but missed both of his attempts from long range. The Bucks were clinging to a 58-55 lead at the half. Jabari Parker, who is playing in his second game after missing most of last season with a torn ACL, had six points so far, one of which was a nasty reverse dunk along the baseline.
Carmelo Anthony led the way with 13 points for the Knicks in the first half on 4-of-9 shooting. The Alphabet was the only scorer for the Bucks in double figures. Neither team shot well from behind-the-arc, as Milwaukee made just 2-of-8 threes to start the game, while New York was a frigid 4-of-18. The Bucks were without starting point guard Michael Carter-Williams, who’s out with a sore ankle, and the Knicks’ free agent acquisition, Arron Afflalo, has yet to make his regular-season debut as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
