It offered the Nets a 47-42 lead they never gave up when James hit a step-back 3-pointer with 7:40 left in the very first half.

The Nets were clinging to an 86-80 lead with simply over two minutes left in the third quarter, when Durant sparked a 12-2 run. His step-back 3-pointer padded it to 98-82 with 5.1 seconds left in the period.

The Nets held Milwaukee to 6-for-30 shooting from 3-point variety, and limited Khris Middleton to 6-for-23 general.

Blake Griffin had his second double-double of the season (18 points, 14 boards) and a solid effort to assist keep Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (game-high 34 points) from completely trashing the game, they way he did the back-to-back Nets losses in Milwaukee on May 2 and May 4.

” I believe its the exact same thing that weve preached all year; competitive spirit and connection. The something that we have not dealt with yet– bit– however we didnt deal with a lots of in the Boston series was truly getting punched in the mouth,” coach Steve Nash had actually cautioned beforehand.

Simply preaching that competitive spirit and that connectivity to be able to stick together and weather some storms. When the Nets got within 42-39 with 9:11 in the 2nd quarter, their defense discovered its footing and sparked a fast two-minute burst and 8 unanswered points. With their offense, the Nets do not need to be excellent defensively, just excellent enough. We have to play well, play at a high level,” Nash said beforehand. “We have to have that competitive spirit, that connection, but its the details, the details in our video game strategy, being able to stick to our video game plan, being able to play together offensively and put them under pressure in a collective method where were sharing the ball, making fast decisions, making it extremely hard to defend.

Kevin Durant, who scored 29 points, drives between 2 Bucks protectors during the Nets 115-107 Game 1 win. Corey Sipkin

Riding their vaunted offense and some surprising border defense, the Nets created a definite 115-107 victory Saturday over the Bucks before a raucous sellout crowd of 15,750 at Barclays Center.

When the Nets got within 42-39 with 9:11 in the 2nd quarter, their defense discovered its footing and triggered a fast two-minute burst and eight unanswered points. With their offense, the Nets dont require to be excellent defensively, simply great enough. And Saturday, they were excellent enough.

After the Nets– rather shaken by the loss of Harden– had actually fallen back 20-9 with 6:58 left in the first quarter on an Antetokounmpo hook shot, they quickly steadied the listing ship.

They cruised to victory from there. Game 2 will be Monday at Barclays Center.

Griffin supplied physicality and hustle, two times diving on the floor to conserve loose balls. The first one he battled from Bryn Forbes and Bobby Portis as the sellout crowd gave him a huge ovation. He got more cheers when he fouled out with 1:26 staying, the crowd recognizing what he had brought.

” When things are truly going inadequately or were having a difficult patch, how do we respond? Simply preaching that competitive spirit which connection to be able to stick together and weather some storms. Thats the hallmark of terrific teams whichs something that I believe we wish to hang our hat on as we progress here.”

Irving put the Nets ahead 59-48 with a running layup, and even after facing the unavoidable Bucks run led by Antetokounmpo, they withstood it. The Nets took a 63-61 edge into the locker room, regrouped and padded their lead in the second half.

Mike James– who hadnt played more than a minute given that Game 2 of the first-round win over Boston– was summoned from the bench due to Hardens injury and completed with 12 points and seven rebounds in 30:14.

” Well theyre an elite team on both sides of the ball. So we have to play well, play at a high level,” Nash stated beforehand. “We have to have that competitive spirit, that connectivity, however its the details, the details in our game plan, having the ability to stay with our strategy, being able to play together offensively and put them under pressure in a cumulative way where were sharing the ball, making fast choices, making it very hard to protect.

Hardens injury was a sucker punch, however the Nets countered.

” So there are numerous things that you try to look after in order to play the video game at a high level and to have a reliable efficiency, but I think it starts with your approach and the connectivity and that competitive spirit.”

With Harden hopping off just 43 seconds into the game with an injured right hamstring, the rest of the Nets Big 3 turned up huge when they were required. Kevin Durant had 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Kyrie Irving played a marathon 44 minutes and turned in an outstanding effort with 25 points, 8 assists and five rebounds.

The Nets lost James Harden less than a minute into the Eastern Conference semifinals. But they never ever came close to losing Game 1.