NEW YORK — The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 32 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, secured a commanding 144-122 victory over a Brooklyn Nets team that approached the game with a heavily altered lineup. Khris Middleton also contributed significantly with 27 points and 10 assists.
The Nets, coming off a win against Detroit that extended the Pistons’ record-breaking losing streak, opted to rest key players, presenting the Bucks with unfamiliar faces on the court. Despite this, Antetokounmpo acknowledged the Nets’ competitive spirit, admitting he had to familiarize himself with many of the players during the game.
Brooklyn’s rotation, filled with rookies and two-way contract players, kept the game competitive for three quarters. However, the Bucks’ experience and skill prevailed in the fourth quarter, with Cameron Payne and Malik Beasley each hitting five 3-pointers. Payne finished with 18 points off the bench, and Beasley had 17 points.
For Brooklyn, rookie Jalen Wilson led with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Trendon Watford added 17 points. Dennis Smith Jr. and rookie Noah Clowney each contributed 14 points. The Nets rested key players such as Spencer Dinwiddie, Nic Claxton, Cam Johnson, and Dorian Finney-Smith, citing a heavy workload and the need to avoid putting them “in harm’s way.”
The Bucks capitalized on the Nets’ strategy, outscoring them 44-30 in the fourth quarter. Coach Adrian Griffin praised Nets coach Jacque Vaughn for his handling of the team but was pleased with his team’s ability to secure a win and prepare for their next matchup.
The victory improved the Bucks to 10-2 in December, bouncing back from a Christmas Day defeat to the Knicks. They finished their three-game holiday stint in New York with two wins.
The Bucks now look forward to their next game against Cleveland on Friday, while the Nets will face Washington on the same day.
