Nets Hold Off Bucks in Low-Scoring Affair

Teams will meet one more time this season on Friday in Milwaukee

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:49am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, with the players and court rendered in sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, creating a dynamic, abstract composition.The Nets and Bucks' intense battle on the court is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, highlighting the game's competitive spirit through a fragmented, geometric lens.Brooklyn Today

The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 96-90 in a low-scoring affair on Tuesday night. E.J. Liddell led the Nets with 21 points, while AJ Green scored 20 points for the Bucks. Both teams were short-handed due to injuries, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been involved in an ongoing NBA investigation. The Nets led for most of the game, but the Bucks kept the pressure on late, cutting the deficit to just two points in the final minute before the Nets sealed the victory at the free-throw line.

Why it matters

This was the third meeting of the season between the Nets and Bucks, two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Nets now hold a 2-1 advantage in the season series, with one more matchup scheduled for Friday in Milwaukee. The outcome of these games could have implications for playoff seeding and positioning in the Eastern Conference standings.

The details

The Nets won a tight first quarter 30-29, but the Bucks struggled in the second quarter, shooting just 1-for-12 from 3-point range and 6-for-21 overall to score only 14 points. The Nets took a 49-43 lead into halftime. The game remained close throughout, with the Nets leading 70-62 after three quarters. The Bucks cut the deficit to just two points late in the fourth quarter, but the Nets made their free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The teams will meet again on Friday, April 11, 2026 in Milwaukee.

The players

E.J. Liddell

A forward for the Brooklyn Nets who scored a team-high 21 points in the victory.

AJ Green

A guard for the Milwaukee Bucks who scored a game-high 20 points, including six 3-pointers.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The star forward for the Milwaukee Bucks who has been involved in an ongoing NBA investigation and has not been cleared to play.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a tough, physical game against a great team like the Bucks. I'm proud of the way our guys battled and made the plays we needed to get the win.”

— Jacque Vaughn, Head Coach, Brooklyn Nets

“We had our chances, but just couldn't quite get over the hump. Credit to the Nets, they made the plays down the stretch when they needed to.”

— Mike Budenholzer, Head Coach, Milwaukee Bucks

What’s next

The Nets and Bucks will meet one more time this season on Friday, April 11, 2026 in Milwaukee. This final regular-season matchup could have important playoff implications for both teams.

The takeaway

This low-scoring affair between two of the Eastern Conference's top teams showcased the defensive intensity and competitiveness of both squads. While the Nets were able to hold on for the victory, the Bucks proved they can still challenge the Nets despite being short-handed. The final regular-season meeting between these teams on Friday will be one to watch as they jockey for playoff positioning.