The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 118-100, at Barclays Center on Friday night.

The Nets (21-12) checked into the contest aiming to win their eighth straight and do so against one of the highest-caliber teams in either conference. They got off to an excellent start in that regard, jumping out to a 36-29 lead through one and then adding another six points to their advantage before halftime with an impressive display of defense in the second quarter. The Bucks (22-10) did manage to shave three points from their deficit in the third, but Brooklyn snuffed out any thoughts of a comeback with a 33-25 edge in the final 12 minutes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 26 points, adding 13 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Brook Lopez totaled 23 points, five rebounds and one steal. Jrue Holiday supplied 18 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Bobby Portis generated a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double.

Kevin Durant led the Nets with 24 points, complementing them with six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Nicolas Claxton registered 19 points, eight boards, five assists and three steals. Kyrie Irving managed 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Royce O'Neale netted 17 points, while Ben Simmons and T.J. Warren posted matching 12-point contributions. Simmons added 11 rebounds, eight assists and three steals, while Warren also posted six rebounds and three assists.

The Bucks remain on the road and visit the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon, while the Nets visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.