Knicks starting lineup: Rose, Chen Xi, George, Toppin, Hartenstein.
Bucks starting lineup: Lillard, Beasley, Middleton, Giannis, Brook Lopez.
New York's starting lineup had barely changed since the two teams met last season. "They'd only upgraded Grant to George, that was all."
Likewise, the Bucks hadn't changed much either. They had reluctantly parted ways with Grayson Allen and signed Malik Beasley to fill the gap.
That had undoubtedly weakened their lineup.
After all, whether it was outside shooting efficiency or his contribution on defense, Beasley certainly wasn't as useful as Allen.
In fact, Beasley's place in the starting lineup wasn't even down to him being better than the Bucks' bench players. The team simply needed a relatively reliable shooter at the two to space the floor for Giannis. That was all.
There was no helping it. The Bucks had run into the same old problem that plagued teams everywhere. After years of building around Giannis and making trade after trade, they could no longer afford the tax or keep their players.
On to the game.
With a whistle from tonight's head referee, Brothers Tony, a game that carried considerable significance for both sides officially began.
Giannis comfortably beat Hartenstein on the opening tip, giving the Bucks the first possession.
Lillard collected the ball in the backcourt, then brought it leisurely across half court, waiting for his teammates to get into position as he went.
Once he reached the top of the key, he didn't launch the offense immediately. Instead, he waited for Giannis to establish position down low and call for the ball, then lobbed it inside.
Milwaukee's first possession still revolved around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
He caught the ball in the low post and immediately went to work with a post-up.
Holding his position, he gripped the ball with both