The Brooklyn Nets dropped its fourth game in five attempts as the Milwaukee Bucks capitalized on a slow start to win 121-109 at the Barclays Center. Despite small runs throughout, the Nets never led and couldn’t overtake a short-handed Bucks team.
After coming back against the Indiana Pacers in Kyrie Irving’s season debut two nights ago, Brooklyn couldn’t seem to get going. They weren’t efficient with their shots, they didn’t have a three-point shot and just didn’t have the energy that the Bucks did. The Nets’ players with the highest plus-minus on the night were the end-of-rotation youngsters who came in for garbage time after head coach Steve Nash pulled his starter with over six minutes to go in the fourth.
The team got solid production out of forward Kevin Durant and got an okay night from James Harden, who struggled for much of the first half. The offensive strategy of drive, drive, drive and kick worked at times, but without a consistent knockdown shooter outside the Nets were not able to keep up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co.
The team finished the night shooting 45.7% from the floor and 22.2% from three-point range. The Nets led Friday in rebounding, assists and free throw percentage, but lacked in the effort category.
Here are some player grades from the Nets 12-point loss to the Bucks.