Giannis Antetokounmpo had 40 points while Khris Middleton added 23 as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Brooklyn Nets in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The 115-111 overtime win means that the Bucks now advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Kevin Durant did everything he could for the Nets, scoring 48 points, the most ever in a Game Seven in NBA history. He had little consistent help throughout but James Harden, while battling poor shooting form and a lingering hamstring injury, still managed 22 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in the defeat.
In front of their home crowd, the Nets came out hot, winning the first quarter 28-25 and extended their the margin by three at halftime, leading 53-47 at the main break.
However, Milwaukee staged a massive comeback in the third period, winning it 35-28 to take a one point lead into the final quarter. With the game well and truly in the balance, Durant hit a long two in the dying seconds to tie the game and force overtime.
With both sides clearly battling with fatigue, it was the Milwaukee Bucks that were able to muster the strength to get over the line, outscoring the Nets 6-2 in the extra five minutes.
Khris Middleton was fabulous, putting up 23 points, ten rebounds, six assists, and five steals in a fine shooting performance. However, the Milwaukee Bucks’ top player Giannis Antetokounmpo was the star of the show, putting up an incredible 40 point, 13 rebound double double, all while shooting 15-24 from the field.
The Milwaukee Bucks end the Brooklyn Nets’ season in what was an incredible seven game series, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. They will now go on to face the Atlanta Hawks, a side they beat two out of three times during the regular season.
