After the Bucks secured the rebound, Lillard quickly moved toward Brook Lopez, took the ball from him, then turned and dribbled out to the logo.
He stood there dribbling, choosing not to attack again.
That was the posture of a winner.
But New York had not given up just yet.
Hart came forward aggressively to try to steal the ball. Unfortunately, he failed, and his overly forceful attempt instead sent Lillard to the free-throw line.
Then Lillard made both free throws, putting the outcome beyond all doubt.
In the Knicks' backcourt.
Chen Xi received Grant's inbound pass, turned, and raced across half court. Facing Middleton one-on-one, he blew past him with a front crossover.
Only for Middleton to grab his jersey immediately afterward.
The cruel reality was that, although the Knicks had not given up on the game, the Bucks no longer wanted to play along.
They decisively sent Chen Xi straight to the free-throw line. They would rather trade free throws, rather let his point total keep rising, than give him even the slightest chance to attempt another three.
With only seventeen seconds left on the clock, they were completely confident they could preserve their lead until the end.
At long last, the game was over.
No miracle occurred.
On their home court, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New York Knicks 141–132 in their second-round playoff Game 7 War.
And so, regrettably, the Knicks' journey this season could go no further.
As for the players' stats, Damian Lillard finished with 34 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists; Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 42 points, 19 rebounds, and 6 assists; Chris Middleton contributed 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists.
All three of Milwaukee's stars played above their usual level.
Giannis, in particular, hauled in an astonishing nineteen rebounds, including a