Game 3 between the Bucks and Nets was a physical affair. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

NBA world reacts to Bucks' gritty Game 3 win over Nets

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Matt Fitzgerald | Last updated 6/10/21

The Milwaukee Bucks were in real danger of trailing 3-0 in their second-round series against the Brooklyn Nets, but they found a way to prevail 86-83 in Thursday’s Game 3 at home.

It would’ve been absolutely devastating to be pushed to the precipice of elimination. Getting swept would’ve almost certainly cost Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer his job and brought into question whether Giannis Antetokounmpo could one day lead Milwaukee to an NBA championship.

But at least for now, the Deer doubters are being held at bay. Given that the Bucks shot only 37.8% from the field and bricked 25 of 31 three-point attempts, you have to commend their resolve to get this “W” in Wisconsin.

Thanks to a 30-11 first quarter, Milwaukee built a massive lead, then relied on its defensive prowess to force Kevin Durant into an off night. The hosts gave the Nets their best punch, and it landed.

Winning a gritty, low-scoring affair like this can do wonders for momentum. Maybe it’ll lead to the Bucks taking advantage of their size, getting more physical with their finesse-based adversary and go back to Brooklyn with the series knotted at two, at the very least.

That said, Khris Middleton (35 points) and Giannis (33) probably can’t account for nearly 80% of Milwaukee’s points in the upcoming contests if this team is expected to send the Nets packing.

Giannis:
— 33 PTS
— 14 REB
— in 43 MINS

Middleton:
— 35 PTS
— 15 REB
— in 44 MINS

They combined for 79% of the Bucks points tonight, the highest by any duo in NBA playoff history. pic.twitter.com/If8p6ViRpY
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 11, 2021

Anyway, without further ado, here are the best social media reactions from Game 3:

W #
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) June 11, 2021

The @DeerDistrict REACTS to the WIN!! pic.twitter.com/YHIrP6DEph
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) June 11, 2021

Giannis attempting eight 3s in the biggest game of the season is inexcusable. Coaching malpractice to allow this to happen. Unforgivable.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 11, 2021

KD just took the challenge on Middleton and forced a missed shot. That’s what I want to see from Giannis, accept a challenge and not say, I’m playing what my coach asked me to.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) June 11, 2021

Packers OLB Za’Darius Smith and RB Aaron Jones hyped at the Bucks game. pic.twitter.com/k75iQwMJpR
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 11, 2021

The Nets played THAT bad and had a shot to tie it on the road. I’m more convinced the Bucks are dead now than I was after Game 2.
— Duncan Smith (@DuncanSmithNBA) June 11, 2021

Bruce Brown on the Nets second to last possession pic.twitter.com/z15J1bIcqG
— Overtime (@overtime) June 11, 2021

Steve Nash blew that game for the Nets! You gotta clear one side of the court and run 1-3 pick n roll with KD and Kyrie. Carry on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) June 11, 2021