NEW YORK (AP) — Cam Thomas scored 32 points, Dennis Schroder added 29 and the Brooklyn Networks defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 115-102 on Sunday in their home opener to give coach Jordi Fernandez his first victory.
The Nets pulled away in the fourth quarter after opening with two road losses in their first season under Fernandez, a native of Badalona, Spain.
Thomas scored 11 in the final period to surpass the 30 points he averaged in the first two games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Bucks, who have dropped two straight after winning their opener. Damian Lillard scored 21 points and Bobby Portis Jr. had 16 points and 10 boards.
Takings
Bucks: Milwaukee cannot be fully evaluated until Chris Middleton returned from ankle surgery. Trainer Doc Rivers said the longtime starter is getting closer and could take another step with good practice this week. But he won’t solve the perimeter defense problems for a team that gave up 35 points to Chicago Coby White on Friday before burning Thomas and Schroder on Sunday.
Nets: Thomas has the green light and can hit hot streaks and Schroder is a fierce competitor, and even a team without a lot of talent in a rebuilding season can be tough when both have it going.
A key moment
The Nets led just 89-85 with 9 minutes remaining in a game in which neither team had yet built a double-digit lead. Thomas and Schroder combined for the next 10 points, where Thomas’ three-point game gives Brooklyn a 99-85 advantage with 7:04 remaining.
Key statistics
Antetokounmpo has made 30 of 45 shots this season (66.7%).
Later
The Bucks visit undefeated Boston on Monday in the second half of a back-to-back. The Nets host Denver on Tuesday.
