Milwaukee handed Brooklyn its latest loss, but also help crystallize the NBA draft pick race.
The Brooklyn Nets fell back into familiar territory on Friday inside the Fiserv Forum.
Brooklyn fell 125-108 against the Milwaukee Bucks, which helped further clear the race to the top overall pick in the NBA draft.
Nets insider Erik Slater of ClutchPoints helped clear the air.
After tonight's games, the Raptors must beat the Nets on Sunday or risk falling into the play-in. So, barring a stunning upset, Brooklyn will finish in the top three of the lottery and have the best odds of landing the No. 1 pick or in the top four," Slater posted on the social media website X, formerly known as Twitter.
Milwaukee shot at 55.6% and did it without franchise face Giannis Antetokounmpo, who's still nursing a hyperextended knee. The Bucks became led with AJ Green pouring in a game-high 35 points on 11-of-16 from deep. Cormac Ryan added 28 for Milwaukee.
Malachi Smith managed to make some Brooklyn history: Becoming the first Nets rookie to score at least 15 points and dish 10 assists but commit zero turnovers. He finished with 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds while producing 10 assists.
Smith delivered his mark with multiple Nets sitting out due to landing on the injury report: Michael Porter Jr. (ankle), Egor Demin (foot), Nic Claxton (finger sprain), Noah Clowney (left ankle), Drake Powell (knee), Josh Minott (ankle soreness), Terance Mann (right patella), Day’Ron Sharpe (left thumb), Ziaire Williams (foot) and Danny Wolf (ankle).
Of the injuries, Claxton became one of the more sudden scratches for Brooklyn. He got asked via Nets insider Brian Lewis of the New York Post if he'll consider surgery.
"No, I don’t think so. Give it some time to rest. I think it’ll heal up. Not trying to have any procedures," Claxton stated.
Brooklyn shot 45.2% from field goal range. But settled for 40% from behind the arc. Milwaukee out-rebounded the Nets 44-37. The Bucks also protected the rim at a high level with delivering seven blocks.
The Nets managed to take great care of the ball, committing just seven turnovers compared to the Bucks' 17. Brooklyn scored 18 points off turnovers.
Head coach Jordi Fernandez only played seven Nets total amid the injuries. Smith earned the most minutes at 43.
Tyson Etienne led the Nets with 23, bettering his past career-high back on March 24. Ben Saraf added 15 points. EJ Liddell and Jalen Wilson both scored 13 points apiece. Nolan Traore chipped in 14 while Trevon Scott scored 11.
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