Top moments from Milwaukee Bucks’ title run: Bucks defeat the Brooklyn Nets in overtime of a thrilling Game 7
After dismantling the Heat, the Bucks knew they faced a tall task ahead with the Brooklyn Nets. Although the injury bug ultimately hit the Nets, they managed to put up a hard-fought battle in the East Semi-Finals that will be remembered forever. The first six games of this series were a roller coaster ride, with the Nets winning the first two, then the Bucks firing back to tie things up, only for the teams to split the following two games. With Game 7 set for Brooklyn, there were bound to be some fireworks.
The Bucks got off to a horrendously slow start and looked dead in the water on several occasions throughout the game. However, they stayed calm and ultimately worked their way back into it to lead in the closing moments. Of course, Kevin Durant, arguably the greatest scorer in NBA history, hit an all-time great shot to send the game into overtime. Milwaukee could have folded, but they stuck together and pulled off the gutsy 115-11 victory to advance to the East Finals.
Individually, it was Antetokounmpo who led the way with 40 points, including a jump-hook in the overtime to keep the Bucks alive. Middleton and Holiday both had awful shooting nights, but they stepped up to the plate when the team needed them and hit some clutch shots down the stretch. Middleton’s shining moment came as he knocked down a mid-range jumper in overtime to put the Bucks up and ultimately secure the win. Holiday connected on triples late in the fourth quarter to keep the Bucks in the game after not being able to buy a bucket before then.
It was surreal seeing the Bucks take down the Nets, considering how bleak things had looked at multiple points throughout the series. Adversity played a key part in this deep playoff run, and this game perfectly embodied it.