E.J. Liddell explodes for a career-high 21 points, showcasing his scoring versatility and seizing a golden opportunity with the Brooklyn Nets.
Third-year forward E.J. Liddell led all scorers in the Brooklyn Nets' 96-90 victory Tuesday over the Milwaukee Bucks, hitting for a career-high 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field.
Liddell, who played just 21 minutes as a starter, did most of his damage in the first half, exploding for 17 points.
The former Ohio State standout scored eight of the Nets' first 10 points, knocking down two 3-pointers before netting a 13-foot elbow jumper.
Showcasing his range, Liddell also pounded the paint, earning easy buckets at the rim and getting to the free-throw line, where he converted all five of his foul shots.
But Liddell was limited in the second half, subbing out with six minutes left in the third quarter and failing to return. When he exited the game, Brooklyn had built a 63-49 lead.
After holding on for a six-point victory, coach Jordi Fernandez complimented Liddell and other Nets who stepped up for their continued work ethic.
"If you have the right intentions and always try to make the right play, you know, one day you'll miss some shots, but it will even out," Fernandez told reporters after the home win. "It's when the work is there, the work that these guys put every single day, the positive energy, it just ends up working out. So, you'll see performances like this."
Liddell is enjoying the best two-game stretch of his NBA career, as he preceded his 21-point outburst with a 15-point outing on Sunday. At the time, this marked Liddell's career-best scoring game.
The 6-foot-6 power forward made an immediate impact against the Washington Wizards, blocking a 3-point attempt within the first minute of the game.
Liddell added an additional block later in the quarter, to go along with four points and two assists.
Throughout the game, Liddell found success from long distance, knocking down both of his 3-point shots. He finished the game going 5-for-7 from the field and converting three of four free-throw tries.
For Liddell, this end-of-the-season surge is encouraging, as he has struggled to find a consistent spot on an NBA roster.
Following brief stints with the New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls to start his career, Liddell signed a two-way contract with the Nets, appearing in a career-high 23 games this season.
Amid Brooklyn's rash of injuries, Liddell got the call-up and has made the most of it thus far. Although it may be difficult to carve out a long-term role in Brooklyn, this is the time for Liddell to earn valuable reps heading into summer and next season.
Liddell and the Nets (20-59) play their final home game of the season on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET against the Indiana Pacers (18-61) in a game that could affect both teams' draft odds and chances at the No. 1 overall pick.
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