In a thrilling matchup, the Brooklyn Nets marked their first victory of the 2024-25 NBA season by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 115-102. This win not only signified the team’s entry into the win column but also showcased the promising beginnings of head coach Jordi Fernandez’s tenure.
The game started with a familiar lineup as Fernandez opted to retain the same starting five from previous outings. The Nets’ defensive performance stood out, reflecting significant improvement compared to their earlier games. Ben Simmons and Dorian Finney-Smith executed solid defensive strategies, effectively guarding Milwaukee’s frontcourt. Their efforts, combined with the active hands of the Nets’ wing defenders, forced six turnovers from the Bucks, leading to fast-break opportunities and easy baskets.
Although Nic Claxton continued to be on a minutes restriction, his presence was felt when he came off the bench. Claxton delivered a standout moment with a highlight-reel, coast-to-coast finish that helped push the Nets to a six-point lead. However, the quarter ended with Brooklyn holding a slim 27-25 advantage, thanks to an eight-point effort from Milwaukee’s star guard, Damian Lillard.
The second quarter maintained the competitive spirit, with Milwaukee committing another four turnovers. This allowed the Nets to go on a pivotal 10-0 run, sparked by back-to-back three-pointers from Dennis Schröder. The Nets showed a clear intention to capitalize on every opportunity, creating fast-break chances off steals and missed shots. This strategy aimed to exhaust the Bucks’ defense, which was evident throughout the quarter.
Despite their defensive strides, rebounding remained a challenge for Brooklyn. The Nets found themselves outrebounded by seven, with Giannis Antetokounmpo contributing nine boards. However, the scoreboard did not reflect these struggles, as the Nets managed to hold onto a three-point lead at halftime, even as Lillard added five more points to his tally.
The third quarter saw the Nets continuing to assert their defensive prowess. Their rotations were on point, and the pressure they applied kept Milwaukee from mounting a serious challenge. Dennis Schröder’s impressive performance, scoring 22 points in just 24 minutes, was instrumental in maintaining Brooklyn’s lead. Unlike previous games, Antetokounmpo struggled to dominate the paint, while Brook Lopez found success shooting from long range during his Barclays Center homecoming.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Bucks began to unravel. The Nets extended their lead to as much as 22 points, thanks to the continued offensive contributions from Schröder and Cam Thomas. The situation escalated after a flagrant foul by Pat Connaughton on Schröder sent him to the free-throw line, pushing Brooklyn’s advantage to 11.
The Nets sealed their first win of the season and the Fernandez era with their reserves on the floor, demonstrating a solid performance against one of the league’s premier teams. This victory not only boosts the team’s confidence but also sets a positive tone for the rest of the season.
Looking ahead, the Nets will face another significant challenge on October 29 when they host the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic, and the Denver Nuggets at 7:30 p.m. EST. With their first win under their belts, Brooklyn aims to build momentum and continue improving as the season progresses.
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