Liddell's Career Night! Nets Beat Bucks 96-90

The Unlikely Hero: E.J. Liddell's Breakout Moment and the NBA's Shifting Landscape

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

E.J. Liddell dropped a career-high 21 points to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a 96-90 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, in a game that showcased the shifting dynamics in the NBA. Liddell's performance was a bright spot in an otherwise bleak season for the Nets, while the Bucks' decline serves as a cautionary tale of how quickly fortunes can change in professional sports.

Why it matters

Liddell's breakout game is a pivotal moment in his career, as he transitions from a role player to a potential cornerstone for the Nets' future. The game also highlights the broader changes happening in the NBA, with once-dominant teams like the Bucks struggling to maintain their relevance.

The details

Liddell scored 17 points in the first half alone, carrying the momentum from a solid outing against the Washington Wizards. The Nets, who are 20-59 on the season, used Liddell's performance and contributions from Ben Saraf, Drake Powell, and Malachi Smith to secure the victory over the Bucks, who are 31-48 and facing an uncertain future under head coach Doc Rivers.

  • Liddell scored 17 points in the first half of the game.
  • The Nets are 20-59 on the season.
  • The Bucks are 31-48 and facing an uncertain future under head coach Doc Rivers.

The players

E.J. Liddell

A young player for the Brooklyn Nets who had a career-high 21 points in the game, showcasing his potential as a cornerstone for the team's future.

Ben Saraf

A Nets player who contributed 19 points in the game, demonstrating the team's depth beyond Liddell.

Drake Powell

A Nets player who also contributed to the team's victory over the Bucks.

Malachi Smith

A Nets player who played a role in the team's win against the Bucks.

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, who is facing an uncertain future with the team after their disappointing 31-48 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

As the Nets prepare to close out their home season against Indiana, and the Bucks head to Detroit, the focus will be on whether Liddell can continue his strong play and whether the Bucks can find a way to turn their season around.

The takeaway

This game highlights the unpredictable nature of the NBA, where underdog stories can emerge and once-dominant teams can quickly fall from grace. It's a reminder that in a league where superstars often overshadow role players, players like Liddell can seize the moment and reshape the narrative.