MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks suffered a tough loss against the Brooklyn Nets, falling 113-110, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo's historic performance on Thursday night. Antetokounmpo, who scored 27 points while shooting 50%, extended his record streak of scoring 20-plus points and shooting over 50% in consecutive games to 26, the longest in NBA history. He had previously shared this record with Shaquille O'Neal and Zion Williamson.

The game presented a roller coaster of emotions as the Bucks initially trailed by 24 points and were down 111-90 with less than seven minutes remaining. However, Milwaukee made a valiant comeback by scoring 20 consecutive points. Antetokounmpo noted, “When you go down 20, that’s when the clock starts for us,” emphasizing the burden of constantly climbing back from significant deficits. With the chance to take the lead, he missed a crucial layup that could have shifted the momentum.

Cams Johnson and Thomas from Brooklyn were key players, scoring 26 and 24 points respectively. The Nets managed to hold their lead despite a scoreless stretch in the final minutes of the game. Brooklyn remained resilient, managing to secure the victory despite Milwaukee's push. Notably, the loss marked the Bucks' struggle against the Nets, with Brooklyn winning three out of four encounters this season. The last time the Nets beat the Bucks as many as three times in a single season was way back in 2013-14.

Antetokounmpo expressed his frustration after the game, stating, “Let’s not over-complicate the game. We did not play well. They played harder than us in three out of the four games. We did not play smart.” Despite the individual accolades, the focus remains on the team’s performance as they aim to improve their standings for the upcoming playoffs.

As the Bucks look forward, they will face the Portland Trail Blazers next, hoping to bounce back from this narrow defeat. Meanwhile, the Nets prepare to take on the Philadelphia 76ers in their following game. The Bucks have a record of three wins and four losses in their last seven games, a dip marked by inconsistencies after their early-season struggles.

For more detailed coverage, visit AP News and AP News.