The Nets were in full control of this series. They stormed out to a 2-0 series lead, with a 125-86 blowout victory in Game 2. Despite missing James Harden since the first minute of Game 1, the Nets were in charge with solid defense and their remaining stars leading the way. Meanwhile, the Bucks fell away from their typical offensive discipline and relied on far too many isolations and rushed, ill-advised shots. In an ugly Game 3, though, as the Nets shot just 36.2 percent, the Bucks managed to scrape past for a 86-83 win.
Then, in Game 4, the Bucks tied the series with a 107-96 win, with Kyrie Irving leaving after playing only 17 minutes due to a right ankle sprain.