The Brooklyn Nets were seeking revenge against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday after losing to them on Sunday. Steve Nash pointed out that this matchup was going to have a “playoff vibe” coming in and it played out exactly that way to start. The teams went back and forth and the Bucks were fortunate to have Giannis Antetokounmpo go off again. Despite picking up three early fouls, he scored 21 points in the first half and went 3-5 from downtown.
Kevin Durant had the answer for the Nets as he went for 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks on 6-9 shooting at the half. Kyrie Irving joined in on the party and had a better start in this chapter of the season series. Irving had 14 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds after the first two periods. Brooklyn still trailed 58-66, but we were in store for yet another thriller in the second half.
Rightfully so, Brooklyn captured a lead heading into the fourth quarter after outscoring Milwaukee 36-26 in the third period. This was all thanks to Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant who had a combined 61 points. Unlucky for them though, the last period for the Nets didn’t go according to plan. Khris Middleton (23 PTS, 7 REBS) caught fire and Giannis Antetokounmpo (36 PTS, 12 REBS) closed out as they dominated the Nets in fourth quarter 32-24.
Kyrie Irving finished with 38 points and 5 assists while Kevin Durant added 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in the loss. This duo had a chance with under two minutes left when Bruce Brown caught an offensive rebound and kicked it out to Durant on an open three to make it a one possession game, but he missed it and they couldn’t find a better opportunity after.