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Dinwiddie sinks game-winner, Allen dominates as Nets win fourth straight

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A-

Final: 11/25/2019

W 108 – 106

Brooklyn gave away second-chances to the Cavaliers like turkey legs on Thanksgiving — but Spencer Dinwiddie came with the dessert. 

Injuries, travel and back-to-backs do not make the best combo, and they made Brooklyn’s matchup in Cleveland a nail-biter.

Luckily for Brooklyn, Dinwiddie — sorry, that’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week Spencer Dinwiddie — pulled up for the game-winner in a wild ending for the Nets on Monday night. 

It was dramatic, it was exciting — but ultimately, it was a team win.

After the Nets led by nine with over two minutes to go, the game of runs came down to the final moments. The Cavs went on a 9-0 run to tie the game with 19.7 seconds left, and Brooklyn lost four straight play reviews — the last giving Cleveland the opportunity to take the lead.

One Jarrett Allen and Dinwiddie block later, the Nets had the final chance to pull off a scrappy win. Dinwiddie closed the show for Brooklyn’s fourth straight win. 

The Nets had the will to pull this one out on the road, but it was not easy. 

Coming off a win over the New York Knicks on Sunday, the Nets felt the effects of fatigue. DeAndre Jordan was out for Brooklyn with a sore ankle, leaving Brooklyn without any of its “Big 3.” 

The entire team seemed tired early, shown by its lack of aggression. The Nets did not register a free throw attempt until the 8:19 mark of the third quarter. Yes — the third. 

Who else broke the streak other than Allen, who continues to grow his star and registered his fourth double-double in five games. His impact cannot be understated.

After notching his double-double in the third quarter, Allen finished with 22 points and 21 rebounds — the second 20-20 game of his NBA career — and made just flat-out impressive plays.

While Dinwiddie and Allen led four starters in double-digits for Brooklyn, bench production was still an issue. With Dinwiddie continuing to fill Kyrie Irving’s spot in the starting lineup, the second unit registered just two points midway through the second quarter and struggled to put together any type of run.

A pivotal moment, though, was a 7-0 run in the fourth quarter that was powered by Nic Claxton and Dzanan Musa. In a game that neither team pulled away, the bench finally clicked to give the Nets some momentum down the stretch. 

The last few minutes were a grind amongst Cleveland’s 9-0 run and repeated second chances. The Nets were tested, but pressure has only made Allen and Dinwiddie shine. 

Brooklyn would not have had a chance without the play of Joe Harris or Taurean Prince either, who both finished with double digits. The Nets’ 60-48 edge in the paint is due in part to Allen, but also Harris and Dinwiddie’s ability to finish in the paint. 

With the win, 14 of Brooklyn’s 17 games have been decided by 10 points or fewer, tied for most in the league. The Nets often play teams closely, but were able to finish on Monday without needing overtime.

Four straight wins and a record above .500 (9-8) called for a celebration, and celebrate they shall — with a water-bottle shower. 

Spencer Dinwiddie

A+

The stats: 23 PTS, 10-24 FG, 1-5 3PT, 2-2 FT, 1 REB, 9 AST, 3 BLK, 1 TO, 33 MIN

What can’t Spencer Dinwiddie do?

Yes, he had the game-winner. Yes, he can slice through defenses like butter. But his ability to set up his teammates and help on defense makes his impact truly special. 

Dinwiddie has said he is an “amoeba” for this team, continuing to adapt to what is needed from him. He has done just that and more, registering a season-high nine assists, career-high-tying three blocks and of course his sixth straight game with 20+ points. 

Add that game-winner confidence, and Dinwiddie is having fun. 

Jarrett Allen

A+

The stats: 22 PTS, 9-10 FG, 4-5 FT, 21 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 34 MIN

Jarrett Allen had about as good a game that can be asked of him. 

After struggling against Utah on Nov. 12, Allen has completely turned his season around. He set the tone throughout the night, commanding the paint and grabbing nine (!) offensive boards.

It was one of the best games of his career, and it came at an important time for Brooklyn with Jordan sitting out. He looked comfortable and dominated his matchup with Tristan Thompson.

Just Fro with it. 

Joe Harris

A-

The stats: 19 PTS, 8-17 FG, 3-9 3PT, 6 REB, 1 AST, 2 STL, 33 MIN

Joe Harris struggled a bit from the field, but he always makes an impact with his finishes at the bucket. He has been big in Brooklyn’s winning streak, putting up double digits and making the hustle plays.

His pinky nearly lost Brooklyn the game after a ball barely grazed his finger and went out of bounds in the final moments (hello, NBA Replay Center), but Harris more than made up for it. He is a gamer, and the Nets especially need his contribution with the bench struggling. 

Taurean Prince

A-

The stats: 18 PTS, 7-14 FG, 4-6 3PT, 6 REB, 4 AST, 1 STL, 2 TO, 33 MIN

Taurean Prince’s name will not be in the headlines, but his contribution was huge. He was the only Net that could be relied on to make a three, with a few coming down the stretch to extend Brooklyn’s lead.

A nearly 20-point game from Prince showed how much he can step up, and his six rebounds and four assists showed his versatility. He proves more with each game. 

Džanan Musa

B

The stats: 8 PTS, 3-9 FG, 1-4 3PT, 1-2 FT, 3 REB, 1 AST, 2 TO, 23 MIN

Shoutout to Dzanan Musa and Nic Claxton for stepping up early in the fourth quarter. 

While the starters were rolling, the Nets needed some momentum from the bench. Musa stepped up in the fourth, adding to a 7-0 run that gave Brooklyn the lead again after going down by six. 

Musa still needs to work on his consistency, but his moments of contribution ended up being enough for Brooklyn on Monday.

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