The Bucks were missing two future Hall of Famers, and the Nets came in on a losing streak. Yet, none of that hinted at how this game would unfold.
Hooved and antlered animals are often associated with a certain red-clad figure during this season. Tonight, however, they were represented by a group of Bucks squaring off against a team defined by their nylon mesh style. The result? Brooklyn secured their 12th win of the season with a 111-105 victory.
Once again, the Nets embraced their role as the scrappy underdogs, giving a contender a tough time. This time, they closed the deal.
For Nets fans, beating Milwaukee always feels good, especially since many still feel the Bucks undeservingly ended Brooklyn’s best shot at a title this decade. However, tonight’s win came with a bittersweet tinge. After the Schröder trade, most fans had resigned themselves to tanking. This game was a departure from that plan. Here’s what we learned.
1. “Tank” is Not in This Team’s Vocabulary
Jordi Fernández and the Nets have refused to embrace tanking all year. Even after the team traded to regain their draft picks over the summer—creating an incentive to lose for the first time in years—Brooklyn has consistently focused on competing. Tonight was no exception.
The determination was most evident in the closing minutes. The Nets had multiple opportunities to let the game slip, but instead, they held firm in dramatic fashion. Noah Clowney’s clutch three-pointer with the shot clock winding down, followed by Cam Johnson’s four-point play, forced fans to confront the reality of a potential victory, whether they liked it or not.
Perhaps it’s lady luck finally smiling on Brooklyn. Either way, it’s exciting to watch and could increase the trade value of key players.
2. You Can’t Measure Grit
At halftime, it was hard to imagine anyone thinking the Nets had a chance. Milwaukee shot over 15% better than Brooklyn from both the field and three-point range and dominated the boards.
Even the eye test painted a grim picture, with Brook Lopez showcasing the polished skills he developed since his time in Brooklyn. Everything pointed to a blowout in favor of the home team.
But as longtime fans will tell you, this isn’t a game you evaluate with stats alone. Brooklyn’s hustle kept them alive. Although their hot shooting down the stretch ultimately sealed the win, their gritty play in the early quarters ensured the game didn’t get out of hand.
Despite posting dismal .404/.263 shooting splits at halftime, Brooklyn generated six extra shot attempts thanks to seven offensive rebounds and 12 forced turnovers. Bigs Day’Ron Sharpe and Nic Claxton were pivotal, grabbing two offensive boards each, while Shake Milton and Cam Johnson chipped in on the hustle plays.
Brooklyn’s late-game 7-for-11 performance from three will get the headlines—and rightfully so. But without those early efforts, the Nets wouldn’t have been in a position to win. Brooklyn grit? Absolutely.
3. Luck or Strategy? Either Way, It’s Working
While this game doesn’t align with the tanking narrative some fans have adopted, it reflects the team’s relentless competitive spirit. Brooklyn’s win might complicate their draft lottery odds, but it also adds value to their roster and reminds fans of the excitement that comes from gritty, determined basketball.
Sometimes, winning isn’t just about strategy—it’s about heart. Tonight, Brooklyn showed plenty of it.