In a contest where stakes were low but individual pride remained high, E.J. Liddell delivered a standout performance to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a 96-90 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. Playing before a home crowd at the Barclays Center in New York City, Liddell reached a personal milestone, recording a career-high 21 points to anchor the Nets’ offense in a tightly contested matchup.
The victory marks the second consecutive win for Brooklyn, a team currently fighting through a challenging season with a record of 20-59. While both the Nets and the Bucks have officially fallen out of the playoff race, the game provided a glimpse of emerging talent and a narrative of transition for both franchises. For Milwaukee, the loss further complicates a disappointing campaign, dropping the Bucks to a 31-48 record.
The game was defined by a steady lead maintained by Brooklyn, though Milwaukee refused to travel quietly, mounting a late fourth-quarter surge that brought them within a single point before the Nets finally secured the win. The result leaves the Bucks looking for answers as they prepare for their next road test in Detroit.
Liddell’s Career Night Fuels Nets’ Offense
E.J. Liddell was the catalyst for Brooklyn from the opening tip. He dominated the first half, scoring 17 of his total 21 points in the first 24 minutes of play. His efficiency was the primary engine for the Nets’ offense early on; in fact, Liddell was the only Brooklyn player to score in double figures during the first half, which the Nets led 49-43 at the halftime break.
Liddell’s performance follows a strong trend in his recent outings, having previously recorded 15 points, five rebounds, and two blocked shots in a 121-115 win over Washington on Sunday. This consistency has helped Brooklyn find some momentum late in the season, winning three of their last five contests.
Supporting Liddell was a balanced effort from the rest of the Nets’ roster. Ben Saraf contributed 19 points, including a highlight-reel sequence in the fourth quarter featuring a one-legged fadeaway followed by a breakaway dunk. Drake Powell and Malachi Smith each chipped in 11 points to ensure the Nets had enough scoring depth to withstand Milwaukee’s late push.
AJ Green Leads Bucks in Late Comeback Attempt
For the Milwaukee Bucks, AJ Green continued to establish himself as a reliable scoring threat. Green led the team with 20 points, attempting to preserve the Bucks within striking distance throughout the night. He was supported by Taurean Prince, who added 16 points, Cormac Ryan with 14, and Jericho Sims, who finished with 12 in the 96-90 loss.
Milwaukee remained competitive through the third quarter, trailing 70-62, but struggled to contain Brooklyn’s momentum early in the final frame. The Nets extended their lead to 83-72 during the first five minutes of the fourth quarter, threatening to place the game out of reach.
However, the Bucks mounted a spirited comeback in the closing minutes. The deficit was cut to 88-87 following a corner three-pointer by Taurean Prince with 2:28 remaining on the clock. Despite the pressure, the Nets were able to hold off the surge and maintain their lead until the final buzzer.
Frustration in Milwaukee and Coaching Uncertainty
Beyond the box score, the game highlighted the growing tension surrounding the Bucks’ leadership. With the team sitting at 31-48, head coach Doc Rivers expressed significant uncertainty regarding his future with the organization. Before the game, Rivers indicated that he might not coach much longer, reflecting the difficulty of a season that has seen the team slide far from its championship aspirations.
The contrast between this meeting and previous encounters is stark. Five years ago, the Bucks and Nets were locked in a thrilling second-round playoff series that Milwaukee eventually won in Game 7 on their way to an NBA championship. Now, both teams find themselves playing for development and pride rather than postseason positioning.
Game Summary and Key Statistics
| Team | Final Score | Top Scorer | Current Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Nets | 96 | E.J. Liddell (21) | 20-59 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 90 | AJ Green (20) | 31-48 |
Looking Ahead
The Brooklyn Nets will look to extend their winning streak as they continue to integrate younger players into their rotation. For the Milwaukee Bucks, the focus shifts immediately to their next scheduled action as they travel to face Detroit on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 for a road game.
Whether the Bucks can find more consistency in their defensive rotations or if the current roster struggles will persist remains a key question for the remainder of the season.
Do you think the Bucks can turn things around before the season ends, or is it time for a complete rebuild in Milwaukee? Share your thoughts in the comments below.