Liddell Scores Career-High 21 Points to Lead Nets Over Bucks

Brooklyn wins non-playoff matchup against Milwaukee in close contest

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:21am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the team colors of the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, conceptually representing the competitive spirit and dynamic movement of the sport.The non-playoff matchup between the Nets and Bucks showcases the raw energy and unpredictable action of the NBA's late-season games.Brooklyn Today

E.J. Liddell scored a career-high 21 points to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a 96-90 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. Ben Saraf added 19 points for the Nets, who have won two straight and three of their last five games. AJ Green scored 20 points for the Bucks, who dropped to 31-48 on the season.

Why it matters

While both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention, the matchup between the Nets and Bucks still holds significance as a rivalry game. The Bucks defeated the Nets in a thrilling Game 7 playoff series five years ago on their way to an NBA championship, making this a rematch of sorts between the two Eastern Conference foes.

The details

Liddell scored 17 points in the first half to keep the Nets in the game, but he was the only Brooklyn player to score in double figures before halftime. The Nets led 49-43 at the break. The game remained close throughout the third quarter, with Brooklyn holding a 70-62 advantage. In the fourth, the Nets extended their lead to 83-72 before the Bucks cut the deficit to 88-87 on a Taurean Prince 3-pointer with 2:28 left, but could not complete the comeback.

  • The Nets and Bucks last met in the playoffs five years ago, with the Bucks winning a thrilling Game 7 series on their way to an NBA championship.
  • The Nets and Bucks are both out of playoff contention this season.

The players

E.J. Liddell

A forward for the Brooklyn Nets who scored a career-high 21 points in the win over the Bucks.

Ben Saraf

A guard for the Brooklyn Nets who scored 19 points in the victory.

AJ Green

A guard for the Milwaukee Bucks who scored a team-high 20 points in the loss.

Taurean Prince

A forward for the Milwaukee Bucks who scored 16 points, including a late 3-pointer that cut the Nets' lead to one.

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks who indicated before the game that he might not coach much longer.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Bucks will visit the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, while the Nets will conclude the home portion of their 2025-26 season against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.