Nets regulars too much for depleted Bucks in exhibition
The Brooklyn Nets got a look at their core lineup for the first time this preseason in a 119-115 exhibition win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night at Barclays Center.
Kevin Durant, James Harden, Blake Griffin, Joe Harris, LaMarcus Aldridge and Patty Mills each played at least 20 minutes for the Nets. The Bucks played without most of their regulars, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis and Jrue Holiday.
Durant led the way for the Nets, notching a team-high 18 points. Joe Harris added 15 points for Brooklyn. Jordan Nwora scored a game-high 30 points for the Bucks.
Durant sparked an early 12-point lead, but the Bucks stormed back behind Sandro Mamukelashvili, who finished with 20 points. Milwaukee led 60-56 at halftime.
Brooklyn played actively on defense for all four quarters. The team had a combined 14 steals and seven blocks, forcing a total of 18 turnovers by Milwaukee. Still, the Bucks hung around until the fourth quarter until Nets rookie Cam Thomas nailed a 3-pointer to give Brooklyn a four-point lead with 30 seconds left.
Thomas played the last eight minutes of the game with Nic Claxton, Kessler Edwards, Devontae Cook and David Duke Jr. for Brooklyn.
The Nets play next in an exhibition road game at the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday at 8 p.m. EDT. Brooklyn closes out the preseason with a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 7:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday.
