Cam Thomas and Dennis Schroder combined for 61 points as the Brooklyn Nets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 115-102 in their home opener, giving new head coach Jordi Fernandez his first NBA win. Thomas delivered 32 points, with 11 coming in the final quarter, while Schroder contributed 29 points, enabling the Nets to secure their first victory of the season after starting with two road losses.
The Nets held just an 89-85 lead early in the fourth quarter before Thomas and Schroder went on a 10-point run, expanding the lead to 14 points and taking control of the game.
The Bucks, despite solid performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, fell short as they dropped to 1-2. Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Lillard added 21 points. Bobby Portis Jr. also contributed with a double-double of 16 points and 10 boards, but the Bucks struggled to keep up with the Nets’ fourth-quarter momentum.
Milwaukee’s defensive lapses were evident, particularly on the perimeter, where Thomas and Schroder found consistent success.
The Nets saw contributions beyond their top scorers, with Cameron Johnson scoring 13 points and Nic Claxton anchoring the interior with 11 rebounds and 10 points off the bench. Rookie Noah Clowney also impressed with 13 points in just over 21 minutes, providing the Nets valuable depth.
For the Bucks, who opened the season with a win, the loss marks their second straight and highlights challenges in integrating Lillard into the lineup. With Milwaukee’s perimeter defense exposed in two consecutive games, the team aims to adjust quickly as they await Middleton’s return.
