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Knicks try to stay above .500 as they take on Bucks

Nov 21, 2008 - 11:29 AM New York (6-5) at Milwaukee (5-8), 8:30pm EST

MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- The New York Knicks' modus operandi hasn't been hard to figure out. They're going to score points, but they won't be able to stop anybody. When they're hitting their shots, they'll be able to run with anyone ... and when they aren't, they'll be easy to take down.

Still, that's been good enough for a winning record through 11 games - a surprise to many. They will put that mark on the line on Friday as they visit the shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks.

Thanks primarily to new head coach Mike D'Antoni's patented run-and-gun system, the Knicks are the highest-scoring team in the league, putting up more than 105 points per contest. They're yielding nearly 106 to opponents. They're averaging nearly 30 3-point attempts per game. They're also getting to the line less frequently than almost any team in the league.

It's a mixed bag, to say the least. That said, one thing they have going for them against Milwaukee is the revenge factor. Nearly three weeks ago, the Bucks crashed Madison Square Garden with a 94-86 victory.

Bucks sharp-shooter Michael Redd went down with a sprained right ankle in that game and has still yet to return. He is listed as day-to-day, as the injury has been slow to heal. The Bucks have lost six of nine in his absence - including three straight.

On Wednesday, Milwaukee roared back from a big early deficit to take control against the Utah Jazz on their home court - a rare feat - only to blow a double-digit lead en route to a 105-94 loss.

The Knicks, losers of two straight, most recently saw their comeback attempt fall short in a 110-101 loss to the Boston Celtics. Veteran center Zach Randolph has been a pleasant surprise for New York, collecting eight double-doubles and leading the team with 20.6 points and 12.5 boards per contest.