Nets beat Bucks by 39 points to take 2-0 series lead

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) - Defeating their opponent by 39 points in the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals, the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday took a 2-0 lead in the series against Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center.

Kevin Durant stood out with 32 points, six assists, and four rebounds, while Kyrie Irving produced 22 points, six assists, and five rebounds for the Nets.

Khris Middleton produced 17 points despite missing his first eight shots for the Bucks. His teammate all-star Giannis Antetokounmpo finished the match with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.

Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said they did not play very well overall, and expect a better performance.

- Suns win first leg in Western Conference semifinals

In the first game of the Western Conference semifinals, Phoenix Suns defeated Denver Nuggets 122-105 at Phoenix Suns Arena.

Mikal Bridges, Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton all produced over 20 points each for the Suns.

Nuggets' center Nikola Jokic finished the game with 22 points and nine rebounds.

The next game of the series is on Wednesday in Phoenix.

- Tom Thibodeau is Coach of the Year

Tom Thibodeau, the first-year coach of New York Knicks, was awarded the 2020-21 Coach of the Year, the NBA announced.

Thibodeau received 351 points, just ahead of the Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams. The two-time winner has a career record of 393-277.

Julius Randle of the Knicks was named the Most Improved Player.