Bucks 93 - 104 Nets
Final
  for this game

Bucks, Nets battle at Barclays Center

Dec 27, 2013 - 3:29 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Brooklyn Nets hope to put the brakes on a four-game losing streak when they close out a three-game homestand Friday versus the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center.

The Nets lost their third straight game in Brooklyn with a 95-78 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Christmas Day. A 36-20 third-quarter advantage by the Bulls sent the hosts to a 5-9 record at home and put the game out of reach.

Deron Williams and Mirza Teletovic scored 18 and 17 points, respectively, while Joe Johnson finished with 12 and Reggie Evans grabbed 13 rebounds.

"When we don't put the ball in the basket or we miss shots that are makeable, it translates to our defense of transition, first where we give up a layup," Nets coach Jason Kidd said. "Then we miss another shot and it turns into another layup for the opposing team."

Kevin Garnett (2-of-7) and Paul Pierce (1-of-8) were both limited to six points for the Nets, who made just 35.2 percent of their shots.

After hosting the Bucks, Brooklyn will play three tough games on the road against Indiana, San Antonio and Oklahoma City.

Milwaukee has lost three in a row on the road and six of seven overall, including Monday's 111-110 overtime setback at Charlotte. Bucks forward Khris Middleton thought he had hit a game-winning 3-pointer at the overtime buzzer, but it was ruled his foot was inside the line and ended with 19 points.

"I didn't know where I was," said Middleton. "It was a good play and a good shot, but obviously my foot was on the line."

Middleton has scored in double figures in each of the last six games, the longest streak of his career.

Brandon Knight ended with 26 points, 14 assists and eight rebounds for Milwaukee, which got 14 points apiece from John Henson and O.J. Mayo.

The Bucks are 3-11 away from the Bradley Center and hope to get some reinforcements back on the floor. Center Larry Sanders hasn't played since Nov. 2 because of thumb surgery and is probable Friday.

Forward Ersan Ilyasova (ankle) is listed as questionable.

Milwaukee suffered a 90-82 loss to Brooklyn at home on Dec. 7 and is winless in the past three games against the Nets. The Bucks, though, are still 14-5 in the last 19 meetings between the teams.






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