Inside The Nets

A depleted Nets squad lose 122-144 to the star-studded Bucks

Despite resting key players, the Nets put up a competitive fight against the Bucks, but Milwaukee's dominant fourth quarter secured a 122-144 win.

Peter Sunjic

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The Nets began the game against the Milwaukee Bucks with Mikal Bridges and Cameron Thomas playing for 12 minutes, but after the first quarter, they remained on the sidelines. The Bucks secured a decisive 122-144 victory, primarily fueled by a commanding performance in the fourth quarter.

After a grueling December, Brooklyn sat out starters Nic Claxton and Cameron Johnson for "injury maintenance" while Spencer Dinwiddie was out for rest. Alongside them, vital bench player Dorian Finney-Smith missed the game due to left knee soreness. 

Jacque Vaughn's decision might have seemed unconventional, but prioritizing the players' health is crucial, especially considering their history of injuries.

"My thought was getting a feel and pulse of the game. Mikal played 40 minutes last night, so the thought was it wouldn't be wise for me to continue and go down this path and have him play 40 minutes again," Jacque Vaughn said after the loss to the Bucks.

The bench stepped up

Despite missing some of their most vital players, the Brooklyn bench showed they deserve opportunities. The biggest name who stepped up was rookie Jalen Wilson, who posted a double-double of 21 points and ten rebounds. Fellow rookie Noah Clowney also had a solid performance with 14 points off the bench.

Seven players scored in double-figures for the Nets, with Trendon Watford leading Wilson's supporting cast with 17 points of his own. This was a throwaway result, but there are some promising developments from the players who got limited opportunities earlier in the season, like Watford, Keon Johnson, and Armoni Brooks.

Milwaukee overwhelmed the Nets

On the other side, Milwaukee played most of their best players with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way. He had 32 points, ten rebounds, and eight assists to lead the Bucks to the blowout win.

The contest remained closely contested through the initial three quarters; however, in the fourth quarter, the Bucks surged ahead with a 44-point performance, securing a convincing 22-point victory. Khris Middleton had a solid performance with 27 points and ten assists, while All-Star point guard Damian Lillard had a quiet game, scoring only 12 points.

Brooklyn still has two games remaining in 2023, with the next matchup being against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 29.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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