Nets win but Simmons still struggling from field

• Australian Ben Simmons +16 in 29 minutes on the floor
• Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard
• Nets' Cameron Johnson had 30 and Shake Milton 20

Brooklyn Nets rallied late to upset the Milwaukee Bucks 111-105 (Game Centre) at Fiserv Forum on Friday, December 27, 2024.

Trailing by as many as 13 points in the third quarter, the Nets' explosive 35-point final frame flipped the script and handed the Bucks their first home loss after winning four straight since losing to the Hawks on December 5, 2024.

Superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard missing their third straight game but a Nets' victory still seemed improbable for much of the night as Milwaukee controlled the tempo and held a comfortable lead. Khris Middleton was in vintage form, pouring in 21 points on efficient 8-from-13 shooting to go along with five assists. Centre Brook Lopez added 20 points, including four three-pointers, as the Bucks' inside-out attack kept Brooklyn's defence on the ropes.

But the Nets refused to go quietly. Cameron Johnson caught fire in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of his game-high 29 points. His clutch shooting, combined with aggressive team defence that forced seven Milwaukee turnovers in the fourth, fuelled Brooklyn's comeback.

Australian point guard Ben Simmons was +16, finishing with eight points, on 4-from-9 from the field, four rebounds, nine assists (including the game sealing assist), one steal but six turnovers.

After shooting just 41% through three quarters, the Nets connected on a blistering 60% of their attempts in the fourth. They also dominated the turnover battle, forcing 22 Milwaukee giveaways while committing only 13 of their own. This disparity led to a crucial 25-11 advantage in points off turnovers for Brooklyn.

Johnson's 29-point outburst on 8-from-13 shooting, including a scorching 4-from-6 from beyond the arc, spearheaded the Nets' offence. But it was his clutch free-throw shooting, going a perfect 9-of-9 from the charity stripe, that truly sealed the deal.

For Milwaukee, the loss stings as they continue to search for consistency in a rollercoaster season. The defeat drops them to 16-13, a far cry from the dominant form many expected from the perennial contenders. They'll look to bounce back quickly as go on the road to the Chicago Bulls, reeling from a fourth quarter collapse against Atlanta, on December 29, 2024 (Game Centre).

The Nets, meanwhile, improve to 12-18 and gain a much-needed boost of confidence before facing Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs (Game Centre) at home on December 28, 2024.