The Milwaukee Bucks drew first blood against the New York Knicks ahead of their meeting in London in January with a 117-113 win on Tuesday. Guided by 20 points from forward Ersan Ilyasova, the Bucks clinched victory against a Knicks team they will face at a sold-out O2 Arena on January 15. It was Milwaukee's sixth win in their opening 11 games, but defeat for the Knicks consigned them to their ninth reverse in 12. Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (right) is congratulated by centre Zaza Pachulia Ilyasova scored 20 points as the Bucks beat the Knicks 117-113 The Bucks will head to New York to take on the Knicks for a second time this season at Madison Square Garden on January 4 before their meeting in London 11 days later.
@highlight
Milwaukee Bucks ran out 117-113 winners in Wisconsin
@highlight
The hosts were guided by 20 points from forward Ersan Ilyasova
@highlight
The Bucks and Knicks will clash at a sold-out O2 Arena on January 15
@highlight
It was Milwaukee's sixth win in 11 - the Knicks lost their ninth game in 12
And despite their best efforts in the second half and down the stretch, the @placeholder were unable to claw their way back.