Bucks, Nets Clash In Game 7 In Brooklyn
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals at Barclays Center on Saturday evening.
It has been a back-and-forth series, where the home team has won each game, which seemingly puts the advantage in the Nets' favor, heading into Game 7. However, the Nets are also at a disadvantage without Kyrie Irving (ankle), and with James Harden playing and less than 100 percent.
The Bucks have the momentum, as they are coming off a confident win in Game 6, where they led, 26-19, after one quarter and made it an 11-point game by halftime. The Nets came out stronger in the third, but they could not cut into the deficit, as the Bucks hung on to take the 11-point lead into the final frame. The Bucks kept their focus down the stretch and outscored the visitors by four points in the fourth, to keep the series alive.
Khris Middleton led the way in the win, with 38 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals, while Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 30 points, 17 rebounds and three assists, and Jrue Holiday added 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. The Bucks have not won a game in Brooklyn yet this season, but this contest is by far the most important, which may help them find the focus and determination needed.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant led the Nets with 32 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while James Harden followed up with 16 points seven assists, five rebounds and four steals, and Blake Griffin totaled 12 points, six rebounds, two steals and a block. Without Irving, the Nets will have less room for error and will need at least one of their supporting cast members to step up and help divert some attention from Durant and Harden.
It has been a back-and-forth series, where the home team has won each game, which seemingly puts the advantage in the Nets' favor, heading into Game 7. However, the Nets are also at a disadvantage without Kyrie Irving (ankle), and with James Harden playing and less than 100 percent.
The Bucks have the momentum, as they are coming off a confident win in Game 6, where they led, 26-19, after one quarter and made it an 11-point game by halftime. The Nets came out stronger in the third, but they could not cut into the deficit, as the Bucks hung on to take the 11-point lead into the final frame. The Bucks kept their focus down the stretch and outscored the visitors by four points in the fourth, to keep the series alive.
Khris Middleton led the way in the win, with 38 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals, while Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 30 points, 17 rebounds and three assists, and Jrue Holiday added 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. The Bucks have not won a game in Brooklyn yet this season, but this contest is by far the most important, which may help them find the focus and determination needed.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant led the Nets with 32 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while James Harden followed up with 16 points seven assists, five rebounds and four steals, and Blake Griffin totaled 12 points, six rebounds, two steals and a block. Without Irving, the Nets will have less room for error and will need at least one of their supporting cast members to step up and help divert some attention from Durant and Harden.