Sunday’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets may have marked the nadir of the Milwaukee Bucks’ season. Brooklyn cruised to a 127–82 blowout at Barclays Center, and Milwaukee never found its footing after a sluggish opening.
The Bucks scored only 11 points in the fourth quarter, falling to 11–16 while dropping 11 of their last 14 games. They also played shorthanded, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and AJ Green sidelined by injuries.
Kyle Kuzma on Bucks loss to Nets: “It’s 45 points to a team trying to lose. They got 4 or 5 wins or whatever it is now. No disrespect at all because that’s the beauty of this league, right? There’s so much talent and if you’re not ready you can get your butt whooped by any team.” pic.twitter.com/ouGVKB8Kjq
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 15, 2025
After the game, Kyle Kuzma admitted the Bucks were not ready, while also offering comments that seemed to take a subtle jab at the Nets.
“It’s 45 points to a team trying to lose. They got four or five wins or whatever it is now. No disrespect at all because that’s the beauty of this league, right? There’s so much talent, and if you’re not ready, you can get your butt whooped by any team. We have proven that tonight,” the Bucks forward remarked via HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
Kyle Kuzma and the Bucks lose to a tanking Nets squad
Dec 14, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) drives to the basket defended by Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
The Nets, a team many consider to be rebuilding, improved to 7–18 with the win and have now taken four of their last six games. Their blowout of Milwaukee matched the largest margin of victory in franchise history. The Nets, then based in New Jersey, also won by 45 points against the Washington Wizards in 1993.
After opening the season at 8–5, the Bucks have dropped 11 of their last 14 games. They now face growing urgency to climb out of the hole they created and start winning again, even with Antetokounmpo sidelined by a strained right calf.
Dec 14, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (1) passes the ball as Milwaukee Bucks guard Cole Anthony (50) defends during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Kuzma ended the loss with 13 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Gary Trent led Milwaukee with 20 points, along with two rebounds and two steals.
Beyond its struggles in the standings, the Bucks continue to face heavy trade speculation surrounding Antetokounmpo. The lopsided loss to the Nets only adds to the pressure, even after the two-time MVP urged the team to stay focused on improving its season.