The Brooklyn Nets almost looked set to blow another big lead, but rode Joe Johnson down the stretch for a comfortable 114-101 victory. The Nets survived monster performances from Kyrie Irving (34 points, 8 assists) and Anderson Varejao (35 points, 18 rebounds) with a balanced attack, with Deron Williams leading five players in double figures with 26 points on 10-19 shooting. Here’s your Net Worth.
Controlled the pace of the game; when he wanted the Nets to push the pace, he’d throw the ball upcourt, when he wanted to slow it down he’d get the Nets into a set. Hit a variety of shots in the lane and off-balance jumpers. Did seem a little too keen to dish at times but hardly a performance one could complain about.
Starting to find his touch and the flow of this offense. Hit big shots to maintain the Nets lead in the fourth quarter. Once he hit that first three it all just seemed easier. A breakout performance, especially as the game closed.
Another game with limited minutes and limited production. Did throw down two nice dunks in the first half, but Evans and Blatche are cutting deep into his minutes.
A conflicting game for Lopez. On the one hand, he got thrashed by Anderson Varejao inside, as Varejao abused him for rebounds, tip-ins, dunks, everything. Varejao’s statline is a testament to how poor Lopez played him. On the other hand, Lopez scored with an insane efficiency, looked more in tune to grab rebounds early in the second half, and did play quite the role in giving this team their lead. Splitting the difference, I give him a B. But it’s a tentative one.
Andray Blatche threw a pass 20 feet into the stands. Andray Blatche blocked two shots in one possession. Andray Blatche threw a shot straight off the backboard and watched it carom feet away from the hoop. Andray Blatche threw a perfect fake and nailed a reverse layup. Andray Blatche dribbled behind his back for no reason and gave the ball away for a fast break. Andray Blatche lost the ball, regained possession, and hit a fadeaway as the shot clock expired for the Nets’ final points. None of the world made sense, and thus all of it was right.
Reggie don’t score but that’s okay, cause Reggie Evans just grabs boards all day.
Didn’t shoot well, but the effort was palpable as he ran the floor & crashed to it often. Hit a huge 3 near the end and was on the floor as the team wrapped the game up. He’s the de facto starter, without question.
