Khris Middleton made the tiebreaking shot with 40 seconds left in overtime before the Bucks completed a Game 7 win over the Nets in Brooklyn, 115-111. Middleton finished with 23 points and 10 boards for the Bucks, who allowed just two points in OT to advance in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH’-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON’-poh) provided 40 points and 13 rebounds in guiding Milwaukee to its second straight elimination-game win.
Kevin Durant led the Nets with a game-high 48 points but missed a pair of shots after Middleton put the Bucks in front. Durant and James Harden played all 53 minutes for Brooklyn.
Harden had 22 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists for the Nets, who were trying to reach the conference semis for the first time since 2003.
Milwaukee next prepares for the winner of Sunday’s game between the 76ers and Hawks. The Bucks would have homecourt advantage if Atlanta wins.
In related news, the Atlanta Hawks may be without their top 3-point shooter with their season on the line.
The status of Bogdan Bogdanovic (bahg-DAH’-noh-vich) is uncertain for Sunday night’s Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series at Philadelphia due to a knee injury.
Bogdanovic left Friday night’s 104-99 home loss to the 76ers in the fourth quarter with right knee soreness and did not return.
