BROOOOOOK-LYNNNNN.
The Nets almost gave away the game in the fourth quarter, losing the final frame 35-19 and shooting just 8-25, but had built a significant enough lead over the first three quarters to barely hold off the Knicks, 116-113.
With the win, my Brooklyn Nets take a 1-0 lead in our Cross Bridge Battle best-of-seven series.
New York was led by J.R. Smith, who hit five threes and finished with 32 points, and Carmelo Anthony, who added 29 points & 10 boards. Iman Shumpert added 20 points, but no other Knicks player finished in double figures. Brook Lopez did a great job denying Tyson Chandler, who hit all four of his field goal attempts… but only got four field goal attempts.
Brooklyn had a much more well-rounded attack, with six players (including all five starters) in double figures. Deron Williams was named the player of the game, with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. New starter Andray Blatche added 16 points & 11 boards. Joe Johnson led all Nets scorers with 20 points on 10-20 shooting.
Says Knicks coach Jared Dubin: “Pretty sure you guys rigged (it). Only explanation.”
Box score images and other information below.
