Celtics

Nets fall short to Wizards despite LeVert’s best efforts

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Final: 02/26/2020

L 106 – 110

The Nets entered Washington, D.C in search of consistency and improving their position in the playoff race. What they got was another heartbreaking loss.

Newton’s first law of motion states that an object in motion will stay in motion, while an object at rest will stay at rest. For the first half of this game, Brooklyn was most definitely an object at rest. The Nets turned the ball over 11 times in the first two quarters, which was a huge component to their lackluster offense.

They did make it to the free-throw line 17 times in the first half, but they only made nine of them. That is right — barely over 50 percent. The Nets were lucky to reach halftime being down just 13 points, 60-47.

The game may have been just another boring blowout if not for the incredible efforts of Caris LeVert. His one-man offensive arsenal kept the Nets within striking distance, and his defensive instincts were fine-tuned as he picked up four steals to help offset the sloppy turnovers. He was the force that put the team back into motion — he gave them a chance.

Unfortunately for LeVert, the team was not able to capitalize. Despite some powerful drives from Spencer Dinwiddie down the stretch, the Nets were never able to ice the game, and Dinwiddie’s three-point attempt was off the mark.

The team will surely be kicking itself when it sees the box score and the 11 missed free-throws. Shooting 27.8 percent from beyond-the-arc also added to the Nets’ difficulties.

As the race for the final spots in the playoffs continues to heat up, these are the games that Brooklyn will remember if it finds itself on the outside looking in.

Caris LeVert

A+

The stats: 34 PTS, 10-20 FG, 5-8 3PT, 9-11 FT, 6 REB, 7 AST, 4 STL, 1 TO, 34 MIN

Caris LeVert was the best player on the court.

Without him, this game would have been a disaster. Only a month ago, we were writing about his potential regression this season and how it has impacted the roster. Now,  he is confidently taking the reins against Beal, one of the best guards in the Eastern Conference.

It was not enough on Wednesday, but the strides he has made are undeniable.

DeAndre Jordan

A

The stats: 16 PTS, 6-8 FG, 4-5 FT, 16 REB, 1 TO, 30 MIN

DeAndre Jordan is worth every penny the Nets paid this past offseason.

Some criticized the team for appearing to only sign Jordan to secure Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Ironically, he is the one who has contributed the most to the squad this season. His defensive presence and tenacious rebounding have been invaluable to a team that was so sorely lacking in seasons past.

Spencer Dinwiddie

C-

The stats: 18 PTS, 6-12 FG, 1-4 3PT, 5-8 FT, 6 REB, 3 AST, 6 TO, 33 MIN

Spencer Dinwiddie was the kid who did not do any homework the whole semester but aced the final to barely pass the class.

His turnovers and propensity for fouls are partly to blame for putting the Nets behind. During crunch-time, however, he performed like a superstar. He did not hit the final shot to put it away, but he earned himself a great look.

The chance was there, but as coach Kenny Atkinson said, his guys were not mentally prepared for the game. The question now is, why?

About the Author

Logan Gilchrist

Logan Gilchrist is a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln pursuing degrees in both political science and sports media & communication.

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