The Knicks are on the NBA’s annual Christmas schedule on the basis of tradition. The Bucks are there on merit — a rising Eastern Conference contender powered by a lanky, unstoppable MVP candidate.
That’s the Knicks’ benchmark. Tuesday’s holiday matinee at the Garden showed just how much ground they have to make up.
The Knicks suffered a by-the-numbers, 109-95 defeat to the Bucks, who were led by superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 30 points. It was the fifth straight loss — and sixth consecutive loss in the Christmas showcase — for the Knicks (9-26), who moved temporarily into sole possession of third place in the NBA draft lottery standings.