Game 2: Raptors 96, Nets 80
Saturday January 11, 2014: Whereas the November game broke a five game losing streak for the Nets, the January loss broke a five game winning streak to open up 2014 (#RIPNetsPR). The game came on “Drake Night” in Toronto, and on the tail end of a back-to-back after an emotional double-overtime win over the Miami Heat the night before. As such, Kevin Garnett rested and Mason Plumlee made his first pro start. The rookie also fouled out of his first pro game, to go along with six points, five boards and four blocks.
DeMar DeRozan led Toronto with 26 points en route to an easy victory for the host Raptors. I haven’t checked with Elias, but I would imagine the Nets are the first NBA team to play three straight games in three different countries: after the game against the Heat in Brooklyn and the Raptors in Toronto, the Nets flew across the pond for a game against the Atlanta Hawks in London, England.
The Toronto game was the last in North America as a Nets player for Jason Kidd spill prop Tyshawn Taylor and D-League All-Universe team member Tornike Shengelia, who were traded away shortly after returning to the states. In proper fashion, one fan celebrated Taylor’s departure by spilling his beer on the court.
