The Bucks rode Cousin's all-out scoring to take a one-point lead.
After that, the second half got underway.
Both teams methodically executed their offensive and defensive strategies.
The score kept seesawing higher on both sides.
The Bucks' wing and perimeter defense was weak, and they couldn't handle the Nets' Big Three unleashing their firepower.
At the same time, the Nets' interior defense had no answer for Giannis's terrifying attacks.
Under those circumstances, it was no surprise that the two teams remained evenly matched.
That continued until the closing moments.
With just a minute and a half left before the final buzzer, the Nets started turning up the pressure.
First, George used a screen on the perimeter to get Lillard switched onto him. He changed direction, drove into mid-range, and sank a precise floater over Brook Lopez to finish the play. The Nets retook the lead, going up by one.
Then, on defense, Prince's smooth, timely rotation disrupted Middleton, whose catch-and-shoot three from the perimeter missed the basket.
Next, James Harden dribbled across half court and initiated the offense at the top of the key.
He found Claxton's screen, drove into the paint, then made a last-second pass in midair with Giannis helping on defense.
On the wing, Durant caught the ball and used a shot fake to get Middleton airborne. He drove into the paint, seized the chance before Brook Lopez could recover, and finished with a slam.
That put the Nets up by three.
Then came the next possession.
The Bucks went on offense.
Lillard handled the ball up top, called Giannis over for a pick-and-roll, then drove and passed to Giannis as he rolled to the basket.
Giannis caught the ball and charged all the way to the rim. After making contact, he muscled up a shot over