Nets reaction: Giannis outduels Kevin Durant in a thriller

The reigning league MVP lifted the Bucks to a win over the Nets on Sunday.

In what was going to feel like a playoff game from the very beginnings of tipoff, the Brooklyn Nets had their hands full going up against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. Especially with the news that Giannis Antetokounmpo would make his return from ankle injury Fittingly so, the game started off with playoff intensity led by Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Durant marked his presence with 18 first half points while the Greek Freak went for 20 points in the first two periods. Both players led their teams in scoring at this point as expected. Although the Nets built an early 13-point lead, Brooklyn racked up 11 turnovers and Milwaukee capitalized. They captured control of the game and took a 3-point lead into halftime.

These two Goliaths continued their battle in the second half and it was just more of the same. More offensive drama where Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo shined for their squads. The Nets couldn’t avoid turning over the ball in the last two periods on their way to 16 turnovers.

Nevertheless, this game still came down to the last possession. Giannis Antetokounmpo (49 PTS, 8 REBS) and Kevin Durant (42 PTS, 10 REBS) had this set and stone as an instant classic before the final play. The Nets were down 117-114 with less than 5 seconds to go in the game. Durant caught the ball at the top of key and faded away to the right with PJ Tucker flying in to contest. It was a great look, but it front rim as the Bucks stole the show and the game from Brooklyn.