What Tuesday’s game lacked in defense was made up for in offensive discoveries.

A shorthanded Nets roster came together to record a 116-112 victory on the road against the Trail Blazers. James Harden, the lone active member of the Big Three, put up 25 points, 17 assists and seven rebounds to lead the way in what was a back-and-forth contest. 

Portland had their opportunities down the stretch, putting the Nets’ grit to the test once again. In-bounding the ball provided some late trouble for Brooklyn, but the Nets were able to get stops and Jeff Green made a pair of free throws to seal the deal. 

It was clear from the start that this game would see little resistance from either team on the defensive end as some of the best backcourt talent in the NBA got to work. The Trail Blazers were hot early with 41 first-quarter points and poured in 19-of-55 three-pointers while the Nets shot 49.4% from the field on the night.

Brooklyn’s defense improved as the night went on, holding Portland to 71 points in the latter three quarters on 40% shooting. The Nets particularly locked down in the fourth quarter as the Trail Blazers recorded just 21 points in the final frame.

The Nets struggled to find their three-point shot again after a hot start (9-of-30) but established themselves as a threat in the paint with a dominant 64-28 point advantage inside. Nic Claxton and Green were the stars of the show as they combined for 36 points and 13 rebounds on the night.

Without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the Nets had to get creative. That meant getting Blake Griffin more minutes, which paid off with good activity on both offense and defense — including good hustle and a three-pointer.

Blake Griffin's diving on the floor and Richard Jefferson's impressed ?

"OK, vet! I see you!" pic.twitter.com/ZFUtxml04O

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 24, 2021

Though Portland got to a hot offensive start and led by as many as seven points, it was Harden who rallied his team through the latter three quarters. His offense may still not be at full force, but there were lobs and dishes aplenty to get Claxton, Green and Griffin going to build momentum.

The bench came up big for the Nets as they combined for 43 points and helped upkeep the lead at the start of the fourth quarter. In addition to Claxton and Griffin, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Tyler Johnson also came to play and provided timely buckets. 

Five Nets reached double figures in scoring as they pulled away by as many as eight points in the fourth quarter. It was another game that came down to the wire, but the Nets stepped up their defense late and were able to get the necessary stops, rebounds and offensive answers to close out the victory.

Enes Kanter once again got whatever he wanted against the Nets with 19 points and 19 rebounds on the night. Meanwhile, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined for 38 points as seven Trail Blazers reached double figures in scoring.

This mini road trip was already going to be a test, and Irving’s absence added to the difficulty. But Harden stepped up to rally the squad, and his teammates fed off his energy.

The win extends Brooklyn’s road winning streak against Western Conference teams to nine with an opportunity for 10 against the Jazz on Wednesday. Another test for a shorthanded team, but it has proven it can adjust and succeed with Harden at the helm and Claxton blossoming before Nets fans’ eyes.