The Milwaukee Bucks snapped a two-game losing streak on Sunday with a hard-fought 118-113 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered another MVP-caliber performance, posting 34 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists to help secure the Bucks’ 10th victory in their last 13 games.
Despite facing a tough challenge from a red-hot Dennis Schroder, who scored 34 points and dished out 10 assists, Milwaukee’s resilience in crunch time proved to be the difference. The Nets led 108-104 with just over three minutes left after a jumper from Schroder, but the Bucks responded with a 15-5 run to close out the game.
Key to Milwaukee’s late-game surge was Bobby Portis, who came off the bench with 23 points and five rebounds. Portis hit a critical three-pointer with 2:08 remaining, giving the Bucks a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Khris Middleton, in just his third game back from bilateral ankle surgery, added seven points in the fourth quarter to steady Milwaukee down the stretch.
Damian Lillard, who entered the game with six consecutive 25-point performances, was quieter than usual offensively but still contributed 15 points and 11 assists. While his scoring streak came to an end, Lillard’s playmaking kept Milwaukee’s offense moving, creating opportunities for teammates like Portis and Antetokounmpo to shine.
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For Brooklyn, the loss marked their fourth in five games and dropped them to a concerning 4-13 against Eastern Conference opponents. Cam Johnson added 26 points, while Nic Claxton chipped in with 21 points and nine rebounds, but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome Milwaukee’s late-game heroics.
Schroder, in particular, has been a thorn in Milwaukee’s side all season. Averaging 31.5 points in two matchups against the Bucks, he once again led Brooklyn in scoring, surpassing 30 points for the third time this season. His aggressive drives and timely jumpers kept the Nets competitive throughout the contest.
A major storyline was Milwaukee’s defensive effort. The Bucks entered the game having held opponents below 50% shooting for 15 straight games—a streak that ended as the Nets shot 56% over the final three quarters. Despite the uncharacteristic defensive lapse, Milwaukee’s ability to execute in key moments allowed them to escape with the win.
Antetokounmpo’s contribution
Antetokounmpo, the engine of Milwaukee’s success, recorded his NBA-leading 14th game with at least 30 points this season. His dominance in the paint and ability to spark fast breaks set the tone for the Bucks early, even as the Nets briefly surged ahead in the second half.
The Bucks’ victory also highlighted their depth. With Middleton still working his way back to full strength and Lillard not at his scoring best, contributions from role players like Portis were crucial. This adaptability will be critical as Milwaukee looks to maintain its momentum in a competitive Eastern Conference.
For Brooklyn, the loss underscored their ongoing struggles against top-tier opponents. While Schroder’s individual brilliance and the team’s shooting efficiency were positives, their inability to close out games remains a glaring issue.
Looking ahead, Milwaukee will host the Orlando Magic on Tuesday in an NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup, while Brooklyn will travel to Memphis on Friday as they aim to regroup and find consistency.
This thrilling contest between two Eastern Conference teams showcased the highs and lows of both squads, but for Milwaukee, it was another reminder of why they remain one of the league’s most dangerous teams when the game is on the line.
