The Milwaukee Bucks defeated Brooklyn Nets in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, 104-86, keeping their chances of advancing to the next round.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo and his teammates were ruthless tonight at Fiserv Forum, not allowing the guests from the Big Apple to have any chances of closing the series. Apart from the opening 45 seconds, the hosts had the lead throughout the entire event, confidently keeping the distance between them and the rivals.
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Brooklyn did try to come back on several occasions, but each time Milwaukee responded, before finally breaking the Nets in the final period.
Khris Middleton was the best player in this one. The Bucks’ forward dropped 38 points, had 10 rebounds and five assists and steals each. The All-Star was shooting 11-for-16 from the field and 5-for-8 for three, missing one free throw in 12 tries.
As for Giannis, he had 30 points, 17 boards, making 12 of his 20 field-goal attempts. The Bucks’ duo was marvelous and unstoppable for the Nets, who couldn’t slow them down, especially in the final period once hosts began pulling away.
Jrue Holiday had a solid role and 21 points, 8 boards, and five assists, but made just one three in 10 shots. We need to mention that one of the best defenders in the league posted four steals too.
On the other hand, Kevin Durant reached 32 points but with much lower efficiency than in Game 5. KD was 50% from the floor, 15-for-30, grabbing 11 rebounds. James Harden was obviously slower than usual, having just 16 points, assisting seven times, and making four steals. The Beard still struggles with his hamstring injury and isn’t 100% ready, but he doesn’t have any option but to play.
Blake Griffin was the only one left with a double-digit number of points, 12, while all other players failed to show up.
One of the main reasons Milwaukee won was that they had 51 boards, compared to 39 of the guests. Also, they were more aggressive in the offense, which earned them 28 free throws, while the Nets had twice as few.
Game 7 will decide this series. It is scheduled for Saturday night at Barclays Center at 8:30 pm ET.
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-->A lot of things depend upon Kyrie Irving’s health. The Nets are hoping to have him ready to play, but there isn’t any official confirmation on his current status.
