NEW YORK • Giannis Antetokounmpo had 40 points and 13 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 115-111 in a thrilling Game 7 that went into overtime on Saturday.
With the victory, the Bucks advanced to the National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference Finals.
The best-of-seven series featured almost everything, from injuries to high-scoring displays and the winner-take-all game in front of a crowd of 16,200 at the Barclays Centre encapsulated its see-saw nature, with dozens of lead changes throughout.
The only thing missing was a double overtime as the Nets' Kevin Durant, who had a game-high 48 points, and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Antetokounmpo went head-to-head.
"I want to be great," said Antetokounmpo. "At the end of the day, I try not to get too high, not to get too low. But I almost got emotional a little bit out there because the team really tried their best."
Durant also pulled down nine rebounds and had six assists but missed two jumpers in the final minute of overtime that could have tied the score and possibly forced a second extra session.
"We got looks, we just didn't knock them down," said the forward, whose team were not able to call on the injured Kyrie Irving for the third straight game.
The Bucks will play either the Atlanta Hawks or the Philadelphia 76ers in the East Finals with the opportunity to reach their first NBA Finals in 47 years.
Milwaukee are also one step closer to winning their first championship since 1971, when the team were led by NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
"We were down 2-0 and then we took care of business and came back, and then a Game 7 and we were able to come here and play hard and get the win," said Antetokounmpo.
Having acquired James Harden in January, on top of the return of Durant following a season out with a torn Achilles tendon, the Nets were not only fancied to make the East Finals for the first time since 2003 but also go on to win their maiden championship.
Yet despite chipping in with 22 points, Harden shot a dismal five-of-17 in another frustrating play-off performance from the former league MVP who had a tight hamstring. Irving's injury also came at the worst possible time as the Bucks became the first road team to win a game in the series.
The trio played only eight games together during the regular season because of injuries and other absences but Durant refused to make any excuses.
"Give them (the Bucks) credit. They are a great team. They have a great chance to win the championship," he said.
The East Finals are set to begin on Wednesday.
NYTIMES, REUTERS
