Milwaukee Bucks fall to second-less talented Nets by the score of 115-102. Milwaukee’s defense suffered some significant lapses during this game after Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson quickly built an early double digit lead.
Even so, the Nets put up a great fight and came within one point of winning this game. Let’s take a look at some key player stats from this contest.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo, born July 11, 1986 in Greece and currently representing Milwaukee Bucks of National Basketball Association (NBA), is a two-time MVP and four time All-Star participant who has also recorded at least five 30-point games during a single season and recorded nine triple doubles this year alone. He holds numerous NBA record and set himself apart by becoming only player ever to ever record at least five 30-point performances per season as well as nine triple doubles this year!
Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to a franchise-best 60-22 record and secured first seed in the Eastern Conference during 2019-20 season, as he led them in points per game, rebounds per game, blocks per game and was named Eastern Conference Player of Month for October, November and December.
During the playoffs, the Bucks took on the Boston Celtics in a seven-game series. Though they lost Game 1 in overtime, the Bucks made an incredible comeback to win Game 2, while Antetokounmpo’s buzzer-beater in Game 4 tied up the score at two each and tied Game 4. Unfortunately, Antetokounmpo was ultimately outdone by Boston and lost in Game 7, but his performance remained unparalleled.
In 2023, he made history when he became the youngest player ever to win an All-Star Game, scoring an all-time career high 184 points against Team LeBron in an overtime victory (178-177). Additionally, he received Most Valuable Player honors at this All-Star Game.
He signed a five-year supermax contract in December 2020 – the largest deal ever in NBA history at that time – as well as his inaugural signature shoe with Nike: Zoom Freak 1.
Antetokounmpo has played in each win for the Bucks this season against Brooklyn, helping his team claim six straight victories over their opponent. On Thursday night when these teams meet once more in Brooklyn he will look to continue this streak of dominance.
Milwaukee Bucks have come away victorious from two of the last three meetings between these teams, including an impressive 107-96 win in January. Although Brooklyn Nets were without their top player during that game, scoring was still no problem against Milwaukee’s defensive system and Brook Lopez made many key baskets during that contest.
Khris Middleton
Khris Middleton has proven himself an invaluable addition to the Bucks this season as an all-purpose scoring forward. Not only has he increased his playing time and shot numbers, he has also demonstrated great defensive abilities – particularly against Boston in round one of playoffs! He has proven his value when needed by helping hold off their opponent.
Middleton averaged 24.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game during the series against Boston, playing an instrumental part in their defense as they limited them to just 57 points per game during a four-game sweep of their opponent. Now in round two against Brooklyn Nets he will continue playing an essential role for Milwaukee Bucks.
Middleton appears to be making strides after recovering from bilateral ankle surgery during the offseason, averaging 10.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per 21.3 minutes through six games this season. With Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) and Damian Lillard (calf, illness) being out, Middleton should see an increased playing time on Bucks.
Middleton scored 21 points in Milwaukee’s 111-105 loss to Brooklyn last Thursday, shooting 6-of-13 from the field and 2-of-3 from deep. Additionally, Middleton demonstrated excellent defensive play; blocking three shots while collecting five rebounds over 26 minutes of action.
The Nets rank fourth in rebounds allowed this season while Milwaukee is 20th in terms of rebound gain, yet both teams have managed to make up for each other by being extremely efficient with both sides of the ball; Milwaukee ranks third in terms of 3-point shooting percentage with 38% while Brooklyn has only reached sixth at 37.1%.
The Bucks have enjoyed an outstanding defensive run over the course of this playoff series and must continue that trend if they want to defeat the Nets in Round 2. Their bench players, such as Isaiah Thomas and Dennis Schroder, can help make that possible; such players could hit hot streaks of scoring throughout.
Brook Lopez
On Thursday evening at 8:00 PM ET on YES and FDSWI, Giannis Antetokounmpo will aim to continue his MVP campaign against an underperforming Brooklyn squad, while Brook Lopez looks to help Milwaukee extend their winning streak.
Lopez is a 7-foot center who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Drafted 10th overall by the New Jersey Nets in 2008 NBA draft – five spots ahead of brother Robin – Lopez played two years at Stanford before entering professional basketball and has proven invaluable as part of their half court offense.
But Lopez still needs to work on his shooting from beyond the three-point arc and be more aggressive attacking the basket. Furthermore, having more talented teammates around him would also benefit him immensely; In his last game against Oklahoma City he produced 13 points (5-12 FG and 3-6 3Pt), nine rebounds, one assist, and one block across 37 minutes of playing time.
After an inauspicious start to their season, the Milwaukee Bucks have shown great progress since. Now positioned third in the Eastern Conference and with some of its star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo contributing 33 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game while being an instrumental component in their dominant defensive efforts, their progress has been phenomenal.
Lopez averaged 13.0 points and 8.1 rebounds per game during his three years with the Nets, was chosen as an All-Rookie selection and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting.
The Brooklyn Nets have averaged 107.8 points per game this season while also giving up 112.8. Leading scorer Cameron Johnson averages 19.1 per game and leads his team.
Brook Lopez will play an integral part in the Nets’ success this season. His offensive boost and ability to overcome their 3-point struggles can provide much-needed assistance, while despite any difficulties shooting from beyond the arc he still serves an important purpose on defense.
Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday, 34 years old, currently plays point guard for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Prior to Boston, Holiday played for New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Clippers where his jersey number 4 has been worn.
He has earned two NBA All-Star selections and two championship titles during his tenure with the Bulls, with an average career stat line of 16.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game – as well as earning two All-Defensive Team honors.
Holiday has been an instrumental figure for the Celtics this season, averaging 16.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in 28.0 minutes per contest. He also leads them in steals and blocks.
In 2019, he has posted three double-digit rebound games, including 14 points and 10 boards against Miami on Oct. 27. Additionally, he has scored over 20 points four times and hit at least one three-pointer in nine of his last 12 contests.
He has scored 25 or more points on five occasions this season and recorded at least two three-pointers on four of those occasions, contributing significantly to improving the Celtics overall standings.
He was the Celtics’ second-leading scorer during the regular season, averaging 13.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, while in the playoffs his average has increased to 13.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game – helping them secure a 5-3 playoff record as a result of his efforts.
Although they lost to the Celtics recently, the Nets are in good position to come back strong against them this game. Their home record is superior and they rank eighth for defensive efficiency; additionally they boast one of the league’s highest three-point percentages averaging 14.7 made threes per game.
However, their offense must be improved to beat the Bucks. They need to find ways to score more baskets while denying offensive rebounds to Milwaukee. Furthermore, their perimeter defense must improve as they allowed 35 points from Chicago’s Coby White on Friday and were burned by Thomas and Schroder on Sunday.
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