• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Thursday night, the Brooklyn Nets played host to the Milwaukee Bucks. This match-up would be the first of a home-and-home stand between the two teams. Brooklyn looked to build off an overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers, last Tuesday. The Bucks also played last Tuesday, and beat the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers by double digits.

(Photo Credit: Barry Holmes)
(Photo Credit: Barry Holmes) Kilpatrick had a solid first half for the Nets

The first half of the game was very hard fought by both teams. There was a total of 10 lead changes and five times where the game was tied. Sean Kilpatrick paced the Nets early scoring attack, by netting 12 first half points. No other Brooklyn player had double figures in the first half.

On the flip side, Milwaukee had three players with double digit first half points. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 12 points and five rebounds in the first half. Jabari Parker also has 12 first half points, and John Henson added 10 first half points.

(Photo Credit: Barry Holmes)
(Photo Credit: Barry Holmes) “The Greek Freak” in mid-dunk before Thursday night’s contest

The second half of the game was dominated by the BucksThe Bucks’ young duo of Parker and Antetokounmpo combined for 21 second half points. The Bucks’ supporting cast showed up to play, as five Milwaukee players finished the game in double digits scoring. The Milwaukee bench scored 32 points, and was able to close out the game in the 4th quarter.

Brooklyn did a poor job of protecting the basketball, and making unforced errors (errant passes especially). The Bucks were able to score 26 points off of 18 Brooklyn turnovers. Ultimately, the Nets did not have the offensive firepower to keep up with Milwaukee, and overcome the hole they dug themselves in turnovers. Milwaukee went on to defeat Brooklyn, 111-93.

Antetokounmpo put his versatility on display Thursday night. The “Greek Freak” finished with 23 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, four steals and zero turnovers. All night, Antetokounmpo took the ball hard to the basket, and made quality shot opportunities for his teammates. The “Greek Freak” is an excellent finisher, and does a great job of pushing the tempo make or miss.

(Photo Credit: Barry Holmes)
(Photo Credit: Barry Holmes) Parker could not be stopped Thursday night

Parker finished with 22 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. The forward has really come on this season, and is starting to establish himself as a true scorer. Thursday night, the Bucks proved they have a young nucleus that is ready to make some noise.

Brooklyn on the other hand, has good young players but lack a strong supporting cast. The Nets are not going to go into games, and just outscore opponents. Brooklyn is not talented enough to do that, and has to work hard for everything they get. The defense needs to be on point, and in the second half it faltered. The Bucks outscored the Nets 38-27 in the third quarter and never looked back. Milwaukee finished the game shooting 45% (36 for 80) from the field, and 44% (15 for 34) from downtown.

The next game of the home-and-home stand will be tomorrow at 5 PM in Milwaukee.  Look for Brooklyn to bounce back, and pick up a blue collar win.

Tip Ins:

  • Trevor Booker had a good game filling out the stat sheet. Booker finished with nine points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.
  • Joe Harris played well off the bench for the Nets. Harris finished with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes of action.
(Photo Credit: Barry Holmes)
(Photo Credit: Barry Holmes) Harris working on his jumper in pre-game warm-ups  

Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732

(Featured Photo Credit: Barry Holmes)

By Barry Holmes

Graduate of Millersville University, with a BS in Communications focused in Broadcast. Senior Writer & Social Media Manager for PureSportsNY.

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