Just when it seemed poor habits of late were taking over once again, something clicked.
The Nets overcame a 21-point deficit to defeat the Nuggets 125-119 on Saturday. Brooklyn held Denver to just 48 second-half points while holding off any attempt at a Nuggets comeback down the stretch.
The win, which ended a four-game losing streak, saw two varied looks from the Nets. First, fans got to see the team they have experienced as of late — letting the opponent attack and capitalize while wasting too many opportunities.
KD in the CLUTCH.
? @MaimonidesMC Play of the Game pic.twitter.com/GscwWY08y9
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) May 9, 2021
The switch came in the third quarter as Blake Griffin led the Nets’ 41-point offensive outburst, keeping the Nuggets on their heels. Griffin dropped 14 of his 20 points in the third quarter as he came alive from distance and made his presence known in the paint.
Brooklyn’s defense then took a step up in the fourth quarter and held the Nuggets to just 15 points. Griffin and Nic Claxton provided good pressure against Nikola Jokic, who finished with 29 points on the night and missed a few shots down the stretch.
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving combined for 64 points on the night as the Nets started to look like their old selves again, though still shaping their identity with each day. It was a much-needed win after the recent skid to put Brooklyn back on track in the final week of the regular season.
Next up: The Bulls on Tuesday.
