The Milwaukee Bucks (12-11) erased a fourth-quarter deficit and snapped their two-game losing streak with a 118-113 victory over the Brooklyn Nets (10-14) on December 9.
The Bucks picked up their 10th win in their last 13 games behind a strong team effort. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a very efficient performance, racking up 34 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. Damian Lillard had 15 points and 11 assists despite struggling to find his rhythm, shooting 2-of-7 from three and committing 7 turnovers. Gary Trent Jr. added 20 from the bench, but it was Bobby Portis who made the difference, scoring 23 points, including a flawless 4-for-4 from three in the fourth that fueled the comeback.
Dennis Schroder led the Nets with a huge double-double, dropping 34 points and 11 assists. Cam Johnson added 26 while Nic Claxton filled the stat sheet with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. But the Nets stayed in a slump, losing 4 of their last 5 games.
Portis and Antetokounmpo Outduel Schroder and Johnson
Both teams traded baskets in the first, but the Bucks gained the upper hand with an 8-0 run in the final three minutes. The game remained tight in the second, with the Bucks building a 6-point lead twice. But Schroder ignited a late surge to lift Brooklyn into the lead.
The Nets kept going in the second half, taking a 12-point advantage behind Claxton and Johnson. But Giannis and the Bucks punched back with a bruising 15-3 run to close the quarter and tie the game. Schroder and Johnson unleashed a fourth-quarter assault, keeping the Nets in front (103-98). But the Bucks responded with a wave of momentum. Middleton fired in two clutch baskets and Portis drained a pair of threes to help Milwaukee pull ahead and hang on for the win.
The Bucks host the Magic in the NBA Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday while the Nets are at Memphis on Saturday.
