MILWAUKEE _ Kristaps Porzingis was back on the court and making things difficult for the Greek Freak Giannis Antetokounmpo. Things didn't come as easily for the NBA's other unicorn as it did on Wednesday night.
But the Bucks still seemed in control until the Knicks charged back in the fourth quarter with a gutsy effort and with an unlikely contributor.
The Knicks erased an 18-point deficit and held off the Milwaukee Bucks, 116-111, Friday night to snap a six-game losing streak. They outscored Milwaukee 33-15 in the fourth quarter and had the final eight points.
Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks (17-19) with 26 points and 10 assists. He put the Knicks up for good with a 3-pointer with 51.1 seconds left. Porzingis, who missed the past three games with a sore left Achilles, scored 24 points and had three blocks before fouling out with 2:44 left.
But Jeff Hornacek turned to seldom-used guard Ron Baker in the fourth quarter over starter Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings. That move proved prudent. Baker had six points and two assists, and iced the game with two foul shots with 21.6 seconds left.
Antetokounmpo, who made the game-winning shot in Wednesday's win, scored 25 points. But he was just 1-for-8 in the fourth quarter. Jabari Parker also had 25 for Milwaukee (18-17)
With the Knicks clinging to a 114-111 lead, Mirza Teletovic launched an off-balance, 3-pointer with 22.9 seconds that Baker rebounded. He was immediately fouled and made both from the line.
After trailing by 18 in the first half, the Knicks cut it to one early in the third quarter. But the Knicks let the Bucks score on 12 of their next 14 possessions and fell behind 96-83 in the final minute of the third.
The Knicks trailed by 13 entering the fourth quarter but scored the first 12 points to get within 96-95 after an Anthony 3-pointer. Baker provided a spark with four points and an assist in the run.
After back-to-back 3-pointers by Tony Snell put the Bucks up 104-97, Porzingis had a tremendous sequence. He drilled a 3, denied Antetokounmpo from scoring inside twice and then knocked down a long 3-pointer to make it 104-103.
After a Bucks' turnover, the Knicks had three chances to take the lead on the same possession. But Anthony misfired twice and Porzingis once.
Anthony had a chance to tie the game with 3:21 left, but made 1 of 2 from the line to make it 109-108. After the Bucks couldn't convert on their end, the Knicks had another shot at the lead but Antetokounmpo rejected Anthony's shot inside.
Porzingis fouled out moments later. Malcolm Brogdon drove and scored to give the Bucks a 111-108 lead with 2:36 left. It stayed that way until Courtney Lee made 1 of 2 from the line with 1:31 remaining.
After Antetokounmpo missed a jumper, Anthony finally gave the Knicks the lead, 112-111, with a 3-pointer with 51.1 seconds left. Lance Thomas forced Antetokounmpo into a turnover. Baker got the loose ball and fed Courtney Lee for a dunk with 27.1 seconds remaining.
Baker hit two free throws to give the Knicks a five-point lead. The Bucks had three close-in shots on their next possession, with Antetokounmpo being called for offensive goaltending. The Knicks gained possession and ran out the clock.
