Ersan Ilyasova had career-highs of 29 points and 25 rebounds last night, as the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Nets in New Jersey 92-to-85. The 25 rebounds tied the N-B-A’s single-game high this season, first set by Orlando’s Dwight Howard in an overtime game against San Antonio. And Ilyasova became the first Milwaukee player since 1976 to have a 25-25 night. Swen Nater had 30 points and 33 boards in a game against Atlanta that year.
Bucks’ center Jon Brockman called it “Ersanity” – a take-off on Jeremy Lin’s recent run of success in New York that’s been dubbed “Linsanity.” For the Bucks, Ilyasova’s effort was just what they needed in the absence of injured centers Andrew Bogut and Drew Gooden. Milwaukee snapped a four-game losing streak. And the victory was only the third in the Bucks’ last 10 games. They went up by 15 early in the second half, but the Nets went on an 11-to-2 run to get within seven in the fourth quarter. Ilyasova hit a three to put the Bucks up by 10 – and New Jersey never threatened after that, as the Bucks beat the Nets for the ninth straight time.
Ilyasova made 11-of-23 from the floor, and had 13 offensive rebounds. The Milwaukee players gave him a standing ovation when he fouled out with 2:01 left.
Brook Lopez made his season debut for New Jersey after missing 32 games with a broken right foot. He had nine points and two rebounds. Deron Williams scored 26 for New Jersey, which has lost 9-of-10.
Brandon Jennings scored 17 for the Bucks. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, who was benched in Friday’s loss at Orlando, had 12 points and eight rebounds. The Bucks improved to 13-and-18, and will host Orlando tonight.
