Celtics

Nets record most lopsided win of season over 76ers

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A+

Final: 12/15/2019

W 109 – 89

Paint drives and big dunks and bench points, oh my!

This was not the game that saw the Nets throw up 35 three-pointers per game. Brooklyn was grooving against the Sixers with an inside-out approach that saw the Nets find success in the second half of a back-to-back.

With Joel Embiid ruled out due to a respiratory problem, the Nets attacked the paint — and it paid off. Brooklyn had the upper hand on a skilled rebounding team, 39-31, but the difference-maker came in the paint.

The Nets finished the game with a 64-54 edge in paint points after scoring 22 in the first quarter, and that was thanks to plays like this.

And this. 

Oh, and this.

We could go on with this for a while. Embiid’s absence allowed the Nets to get their way in the paint, and it gave Brooklyn a go-to option to supplement the lead throughout the game — reaching as many as 26, the most in any game this season. 

The Nets built success offensively off opportunities created with their defense. Brooklyn held Philly to 86 points, the lowest allowed to any opponent this season, including 5-26 shooting from beyond the arc.

Coach Kenny Atkinson called the effort “one of our best defensive performances since I’ve been here.” 

While the 76ers never it going beyond their starting lineup and Brooklyn had the energy, the question still remained — were the Nets going to blow it?

Nets fans have seen it before. Brooklyn lost a game it once led by 20 points just four days ago against the Charlotte Hornets. But the difference this time was executing the gameplan — attack the paint, execute on the fastbreak, exploit weaknesses.

What resulted was a balanced contribution, led by Spencer Dinwiddie’s 24 points and supplemented by 40 bench points.

The Nets did not shoot the three-point ball well against the Raptors on Saturday night, shooting 12-46 from distance. While the Nets did not need to shoot a high efficiency from three against Philly, some late threes were just some sugar on top of the cohesive victory.

The win gives Brooklyn a 14-12 record, good for seventh in the East. And it would not be a surprise if these two teams meet in the postseason, with Philly currently holding the No. 2 spot. 

A late night caused by traveling from Toronto and the third game in four days did not stop Brooklyn from executing the gameplan.

Sign us up for a rematch come April.  

Spencer Dinwiddie

A+

The stats: 24 PTS, 9-21 FG, 2-4 3PT, 4-6 FT, 6 AST, 1 STL, 3 TO, 30 MIN

“Kyrie always tell me I ain’t got no bounce.”

Consider that notice met, Spence. 

Besides putting up the highlight of the night, Dinwiddie was clutch again for the Nets, recording his fourth-straight 20-point game and 13th in his last 15. He also is just the second player in NBA history to record four straight games with exactly 24 points in each after Magic Johnson in 1989 (nice stat, Ryan Ruocco and YES). 

Atkinson said after the game that people underestimate Dinwiddie’s athleticism, and that he replayed the dunk again in the locker room — to the players’ delight.

Bring on the Dinwiddie posters, we are on board. 

Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot

A

The stats: 8 PTS, 3-6 FG, 0-2 3PT, 2-2 FT, 5 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 2 TO, 23 MIN

Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot provided a true energy boost off the bench for Brooklyn. 

With Iman Shumpert’s exit, TLC can expect more playing time — and he is earning it. He was impressive in his drives and finishes in the paint and gave the Nets a needed boost early. 

It will be great to see how he continues to grow during the season when given more time. 

DeAndre Jordan

A

The stats: 13 PTS, 6-9 FG, 1-3 FT, 11 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 2 TO, 22 MIN

DeAndre Jordan recorded his fifth double-double of the season (the fourth off the bench), and was impressive on both ends. With Embiid out, Jordan was able to assert his dominance and work alongside his teammates. 

Jordan also led the impressive 40-point bench effort for Brooklyn. Including his five offensive boards, Nets fans will take this performance from DeAndre any day of the week. 

Joe Harris

A-

The stats: 16 PTS, 7-11 FG, 2-4 3PT, 2 REB, 1 AST, 1 TO, 25 MIN

Joe Harris was a sneaky hero against the 76ers. He started the game with a bang and did not look back. 

Harris continuously proves that he is not just a three-point taker (and maker). His finishes at the rim each game show Brooklyn’s extra edge, and it played right into the team’s gameplan against Philly.

Wilson Chandler

B

The stats: 2 PTS, 1-1 FG, 7 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 19 MIN

Wilson Chandler made his team debut after missing the first 25 games of the season with a suspension. His first (and only) basket came at the end of the first quarter. 

He was not an offensive force, but the Nets did not need him to be. His seven rebounds were a difference-maker, and the steal and block fill a need in creating opportunities.

With more time, Chandler can continue to wipe off some of the rust and become a key part of the rotation. 

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