Milwaukee, Wisconsin – The Milwaukee Bucks staved off elimination against the Brooklyn Nets with a big win in Game 6 to force a decider in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Khris Middleton (29) went off for 38 points to lead the Bucks to a crucial 104-89 win over the Nets to survive for another game as the series is tied at 3-3, with the deciding game on Saturday night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo also had a big night with 30 points to help manhandle a Nets team whose performance lacked everything it had in Game 5.

NBA NBA MVP award finalists named as contenders battle it out for league honors

While Milwaukee’s two stars were shining, it was their defense that also deserves credit for the win. The Bucks broke down Brooklyn, leaving Kevin Durant essentially fighting on his own as the rest of his teammates couldn’t cut it. Milwaukee’s defense allowed just 19 points from the Nets in two separate quarters, which was a big factor in the Bucks turning this around.

James Harden was back again in his second-straight playoff game for the Nets, putting in 40 minutes' worth of work. He still couldn’t really play at a high level though, despite managing 16 points and seven assists. It showed on the floor as his "sweet spots" were mainly outside the paint, appearing to avoid any contact that would force him out of another game.

The Nets did try to mount several comebacks that ultimately failed, as they never led nor tied for a single second in the game.

Brooklyn simply didn’t put much of a fight in Game 6 and it was pretty obvious. "We didn’t play the way we wanted to play offensively. We just didn’t have our best stuff tonight. We have a Game 7 on our home floor," said Nets Head Coach Steve Nash in a postgame interview with ESPN.

But throughout the six games played so far in this series, each home team has won its game. So even after Thursday's setback, the Nets will still be favorites to wrap this up at home in a thrilling decider.

The series will be decided in Game 7 on Saturday night, from Brooklyn, New York.