The Milwaukee Bucks looked like they were going to be swept by the Brooklyn Nets not that long ago.
Game 2 of the series was a complete disappointment by the team.
A 39-point loss was a travesty.
It looked as if the Bucks would never be a contender.
However, Game 3 was a fresh start.
The Bucks came out firing and took a big lead.
They did end up blowing the comfortable margin, but were still able to pull out a much-needed win.
Game 4 was another big win for the team as they are now tied 2-2 with the mighty Nets.
Being two wins away from the Eastern Conference Finals after it looked like all hope was lost has to be uplifting.
Here are the three reasons why the Bucks have evened the series.
3. P.J. Tucker
P.J. Tucker has been a force for the Bucks in the last two games.
He has been given the task to try and slow down Kevin Durant.
Trying to guard someone like Durant has to be one of the most difficult things to do on an NBA court.
However, Tucker has been doing a great job with this hard objective.
Durant went 9-25 from the field in Game 4.
Tucker was a menace defensively and made Durant work for every bucket.
PJ Tucker has been amazing on defense today 🔒
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) June 13, 2021
The Bucks needed someone to take on the role of a hard working tough guy who isn’t afraid of anything.
Tucker is the perfect man for the job.
He is giving this team a newfound energy that has them tied up with a team that we deemed as unbeatable.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo And His Dominance
The two biggest worries with the Nets all season has been their defense and lack of size.
We truly worried about how they can guard Joel Embiid in a potential Eastern Conference Finals matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, we forgot about Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The two-time NBA MVP has been dominant against the Nets in the last two games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo today:
34 Points
12 Rebounds
3 Assists
53% FGSeries tied up. 👀 pic.twitter.com/yHzumKHCd5
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 13, 2021
Game 3’s stat line was 33 points and 14 rebounds.
This was followed up with 34 points and 12 rebounds.
There is no answer for Antetokounmpo and his physicality.
Blake Griffin and Nicolas Claxton can do but so much.
It is hard to contain him with guys who are outmuscled on every possession.
He is a two-time MVP for a reason.
The Bucks have had their superstar show up in these crucial games.
1. The Nets Keep Getting Hurt
The Bucks have been playing great basketball, but the Nets are now without two of their superstars.
James Harden injured his hamstring within the first minute of the series.
Now Kyrie Irving has a sprained ankle.
Kyrie Irving headed to the locker room after an apparent ankle injury. pic.twitter.com/MhTR8DacBh
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 13, 2021
The Nets and Bucks were in a tight game until the injury to Irving happened.
We should not discredit the Bucks and their play, but the Nets losing their two best players is helping them out.
Even Jeff Green was out up until Game 4.
The Nets are still within arms reach of this series, but these injuries are hampering them.
The Bucks are capitalizing.
They have evened the series and might be able to win it in a few more games.
NEXT: 2 Bucks Who Have Stepped Up Big Time Against Nets