Knicks at Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks will attempt to open 3-0 for the first time since 2005 when they continue a three-game homestand against the New York Knicks on Monday. Behind another prolific attack from beyond the arc, the Bucks rolled to a 118-101 win over Indiana in their opener at the new Fiserv Forum on Friday.
Milwaukee hit 17 3-pointers in the victory and it entered Sunday's action ranked ninth in the NBA in long-range accuracy (38.8 percent) and second with an average of 40 3-point attempts per game. "I feel we can beat any team on any night," forward Giannis Antetokounmpo told reporters. "We have a really, really good opportunity to do good stuff this year, so hopefully we can work hard, go back and work on our craft, and be able to execute and compete every night." The Knicks followed up a season-opening 126-107 win over Atlanta with consecutive two-point losses to Brooklyn and Boston. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 24 points in Saturday's 103-101 loss to the Celtics, while rookie Kevin Knox played just four minutes before exiting with an ankle sprain.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, MSG (New York), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
ABOUT THE KNICKS (1-2): Early reports suggest that Knox, who averaged 13.5 points through his first two games, will miss at least two weeks of action while his left ankle heals, which could yield more time for Damyean Dotson. The second-year pro did not get off the bench against Atlanta and Brooklyn but was pressed into duty when Knox went down Saturday and responded with 10 points, two assists and two steals in 22 minutes. "I told him this, I told him all through preseason — I trust the kid — 'You're a player. You're exactly what we're looking for in a player.' And he earned the right to get on the court," coach David Fizdale told the media. "I'm really happy how he kept himself ready, real professional approach."
ABOUT THE BUCKS (2-0): Antetokounmpo was the outlier against the Pacers by going 0-for-6 from 3-point range, but the dynamic 23-year-old still managed 26 points and 15 rebounds and is averaging 25.5 and 16.5 on the season. Khris Middleton has benefited from new coach Mike Budenholzer's desire to fire away from outside, making 8-of-15 3-pointers while averaging 21 points overall. Milwaukee took all four meetings last season and Antetokounmpo averaged 26.7 points and 10.7 rebounds in the three games he played against the Knicks, making a game-winner in the closing seconds in one of the matchups at home.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Knicks C Enes Kanter has three straight double-doubles to begin the season.
2. Bucks C John Henson is 2-for-3 from 3-point range after going 1-for-13 over his first six seasons.
3. Knicks SG Courtney Lee (neck) missed the first three games and is expected to see a specialist Monday.