2021 NBA Playoffs: Mission possible? Bucks regroup after falling 0-2 against Nets

After two embarrassing losses to the Brooklyn Nets, the Milwaukee Bucks are reeling and searching for answers.

They could easily become discouraged. But superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo said it’s important to remain even-keeled and persistent.

Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will rely on established habits and home court to get a much-needed Game 3 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.

“I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing,” said Antetokounmpo, who scored 18 points and tallied 11 rebounds. “Keep trusting in my work, my teammates. Keep believing in the team and the habits we built. Hopefully, in Game 3, we can get a win.”

The Nets led by as many as 49 points in Game 2 and defeated the Bucks by 39 points. The Nets shot a scorching 21-42 from three in the game. The Bucks, a top three-point shooting team during the regular season, was 8-27 from distance. Milwaukee was 6-30 from three in Game 1.

The Nets also shared the ball better although they were outrebounded by the Bucks in both games. They posted 52 total assists in Games 1 and 2 compared to the Bucks’ 35 total assists.

“We’re seeing a team that’s starting to find cohesion no matter who’s on the floor,” said Steve Nash, Brooklyn head coach.

The Nets were missing third star James Harden because of hamstring tightness but still played well without him. Brooklyn was the aggressor, and it showed from the start. They forced the Bucks to commit 16 turnovers and nabbed 8 steals.

The Nets performed well but must raise their level of play in Milwaukee, Nash said. He knows the Bucks will, he said.

For the Bucks, that’s the plan, head coach Mike Budenholzer said.

“We’ve got to go home and protect home our home court the way they did theirs,” Budenholzer said.