Ilyasova's big game carries Bucks past Nets
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Ersan Ilyasova had career-highs of 29 points 85 win over New Jersey at Prudential Center on Sunday.
Brandon Jennings chipped in 17 points and Carlos Delfino added 11 for the Bucks, who snapped a four-game losing streak.
The Nets did get some good news from this game as Brook Lopez made his season debut after missing the first 32 games with a broken foot suffered in the preseason. In 22 minutes of action, Lopez scored nine points and grabbed two rebounds.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Lopez, who isn't expected to play in Monday's contest in New York, said, "No question (I want to) get right back out there. (Athletic trainer Tim Walsh) is, I think, going to have to watch me the whole day. I'm going to try to sneak my jersey right before the game tomorrow and get back out there."
Deron Williams led the Nets' scoring attack, dropping in 26 points and adding a season-high four steals for the New Jersey, which was coming off a win at Chicago Saturday that halted a season-high eight-game skid.
Despite shooting under 20 percent in the first quarter, the Nets managed to keep it a game as they trailed 23-17 heading into the second.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Nets took their only lead of the game on a Morrow dunk with just under nine minutes left in the half, but the Bucks scored seven straight points to regain control, leading 33-27.
The Nets got two free throws from Lopez with under a second left to pull back within seven, 43-36, heading into the locker room.
The Bucks jumped out on a 9-2 spurt to start the half as they took a 52-38 lead with 9:25 left, and then maintained control, taking a 70-56 advantage into the final frame.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Kris Humphries finished an alley-oop from MarShon Brooks with 5:22 left to pull the Nets within seven, 76-69.
The Bucks scored nine of the next 11 to take an 85-71 lead, but the Nets answered with a 9-0 run to make it an 85-80 game.
Delfino had the dagger, however, as he knocked down a triple with 50 seconds remaining to give the Bucks an 88-80 advantage.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We weren't as sharp as we'd like to be, but we got enough stops," said Bucks head coach Scott Skiles. "We had a pretty good defensive game all night. We reacted pretty well all over the floor, had some good quickness, and played with some pop."
Game Notes
The Nets have lost six straight at home...The Nets finish a back-to-back-to- back in New York on Monday...New York's last victory in this series was a 99-95 decision in Milwaukee on March 3, 2009...The Bucks will visit Orlando on Monday for the second of a back-to-back.