Nba, Bucks and Giannis irresistible, the Nets are now struggling

Another misstep at the Barclays Center for the Nets (23-13) who once again make a lot of effort within the friendly walls and collect a bad defeat, 121-109 the score, against the remodeled Bucks (26-15).

Milwaukee comes to Brooklyn with an improvised backcourt due to the absences of Holiday, Hill, Allen, Connaughton, currently in the Covid protocol, and the injured DiVincenzo but dominates the match by exposing the current problems of a team that is too passive on a defensive level and confused in attack. The Irving situation has its weight but the problems for Steve Nash right now seem to be apart from part time with one of his Big Three. “After the stop due to Covid problems we are having a lot of effort – the Canadian coach underlines at the end of the match – we played well even during the most complicated period, with many absences, but after the return of the players who were in the medical protocol I don’t see the right spirit, rhythm and enthusiasm in the team. We must find them as soon as possible “.

Disappointment

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The match against the Bucks therefore seems to be a photocopy of the last home games in Brooklyn (five consecutive home losses) with little energy at the start of the game and a wrong approach. Not only does the New York team struggle incredibly at Barclays (10-10 home record) but once again in this championship they are unable to beat an elite team, thus remedying the eighth defeat out of eight games against the eight clubs with the best record of the Nba. Not quite what the Nets fans expected in a season that, on paper at least, saw Brooklyn as the favorite in the ring race on the eve. The Bucks start with the right spirit and immediately put the defense of Brooklyn in difficulty with a very active Portis and with the usual Giannis. Brooklyn in attack goes to alternating current with Harden not very incisive and Durant to carry the Nets on his shoulders. Milwaukee continues to be loud in the second quarter as well, despite Antetokounmpo being forced into limited minutes due to his third foul. No problem, however, for Milwaukee who reaches the break ahead 60-49 and then knocks out the New York team with a partial 19-4 in the third quarter that gives the guests a comfortable +24. Middleton (15 of his 20 points arrive in the third period) becomes unstoppable, the Nets do not find answers on an offensive level and thus lose contact with Milwaukee. Giannis and his teammates, led on the bench by assistant Darvin Ham, with Mike Budenholzer in the health protocol, therefore go on to win with ease. “The many absences are part of the game – underlines Antetokounmpo – in this team even those who play less know how to be ready at the right time”.

Brooklyn: Durant 29 (9/16, 1/3, 8/8 tl), Harden 16, Thomas, Claxton 14. Rimbalzi: Harden, Durant 9. Assist: Harden, Durant 7.

Milwaukee: Antetokounmpo 31 (9/12, 2/5, 7/10 tl), Portis 25, Middleton 20. Rimbalzi: Portis 12. Assist: Antetokounmpo 9.