Bucks Zone

What we learned from the Milwaukee Bucks' demolition of the no-name Brooklyn Nets

The Bucks did what they had to do, even against a bunch of third-stringers.

Jonas Panerio

© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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The Milwaukee Bucks put away the Brooklyn Nets, 144-122, to get back on the winning track after their loss to the New York Knicks on Christmas Day. Milwaukee finished their road trip to New York with a couple of wins in three games. Here are two key takeaways from their latest victory.

No-name Nets

In an eye-raising move, Nets coach Jacque Vaughn rested three starters and played the other in the first quarter before sitting them out the rest of the way. Spencer Dinwiddie, Nic Claxton, and Cam Johnson were all sidelined a day after the Nets won over the Detroit Pistons to extend the franchise’s ignominious losing streak to a record 27 games.

Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas played all 12 minutes in the first but spent the rest of the game cheering their teammates on the sidelines. Despite playing a rotation composed of rookies and two-way players, Brooklyn had Milwaukee’s number in the first three quarters as the Bucks led by only eight, 100-92, heading to the fourth.

However, the Bucks put away the Nets early in the fourth quarter and outscored their foes 44-30 to pick up the win.

After the game, Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo gave the Nets players who suited up their flowers.

“They competed hard,” Giannis said.

“I don’t know most of them, but definitely, I’ll learn them after today because they made it extremely, extremely tough for us.”

Giannis toughs it out

Heading to the game, Giannis was listed as questionable due to a right calf injury. However, the two-time MVP toughed it out and played in his 20th straight game, which is the longest stretch of consecutive games that the “Greek Freak” has played since suiting up in 31 straight in the 2020-2021 season.

Not only did Giannis play, but he was his usual dominant self, putting up 32 points, ten rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks.

The Milwaukee Bucks pull away late to beat the Brooklyn Nets

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO