Celtics

Nets ride fourth-quarter boost to defeat Pelicans in OT

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B+

Final: 12/17/2019

W 108 – 101

The Nets needed to turn a switch, and they needed to do it quickly. 

Following a game with opportunity abound, the Nets had trouble finding energy and a rhythm against New Orleans. Shooting hovered around 30 percent from the field, fastbreak points were hard to come by and the hot hands from Sunday went cold.

It took getting to the fourth quarter — and overtime — for the Nets to string some shots together and pull away, but it was not easy. 

The Nets are ignited by Spencer Dinwiddie drives and Joe Harris threes, and that was exactly what it took to gain some separation. Brooklyn showed life with nine straight shots in the fourth, but the Pelicans did not go away easily.

A 17-7 advantage in offensive rebounds helped keep the Pelicans in the game as they were desperate to halt a franchise-record 12-game losing streak. After a forced step-back three-pointer from Dinwiddie ended regulation, the Nets got just enough stops to edge out New Orleans and notch their first overtime victory of the season.

Before both teams turned on the offense, a lackluster first half started out with a bang — four bangs, actually. Jarrett Allen recorded four blocks in the first quarter alone, with the first two coming within seconds of each other against Brandon Ingram. 

Things got a bit ugly from there, though, with the Pelicans ending the first half with 16 straight missed shots. The Nets went on a 15-0 run in that span, but Brooklyn did not exceed 21 points in the first two quarters. 

After the Pelicans out-scored Brooklyn 29-19 in the third quarter, the Nets knew they would need to grind this one out. As Ian Eagle mentioned, no team wants to be the one to break another’s losing streak. 

One way the Nets avoided that fate was with some impressive out-of-timeout plays from Kenny Atkinson in the fourth quarter and overtime that got Harris and Allen great looks. It was important for the team to be locked in at those times, and with each play execution came a jolt of energy to the squad. 

With night-and-day 60 percent shooting over the fourth quarter and overtime — and a 58-40 edge in the paint — the Nets showed the increase in energy level they needed to lead to a victory.

In a busy part of the Nets’ schedule, the team has recorded its second straight win and now stands at three games over .500. The Nets always face a test in San Antonio, but go there Thursday with some momentum.

In Dinwiddie Drives™, we trust. 

Spencer Dinwiddie

A

The stats: 31 PTS, 11-26 FG, 1-8 3PT, 8-11 FT, 2 REB, 7 AST, 1 STL, 2 TO, 39 MIN

All that’s holding Spencer from an A+ is his 1-8 mark from three — have to drive to close the game! 

(We understand the thought process on reducing New Orleans’s options with two seconds left, though.)

That aside, we say it every game — Spencer’s athleticism and composure keep Brooklyn alive. He is nearly unstoppable when he attacks the rim, and he is a sparkplug for his teammates. 

Spencer’s fourth 30-point game of the season was much-needed, and his production continues to impress. 

Can you say All-Star?

Joe Harris

A+

The stats: 24 PTS, 8-15 FG, 5-9 3PT, 3-4 FT, 6 REB, 3 AST, 1 BLK, 2 TO, 37 MIN

Joe-y-Clutch. 

It did not feel like the Nets could win this one until Joe started to get some shots down. A swish from Joe gives the Nets some breathing room, and reminds fans of the threat he can be. 

With Kyrie Irving out, the Nets need Joe and Spencer on top of their game. This time, the formula worked, and Joe’s big second half and overtime (after scoring just 5 points in the first half) was the reason why. 

Jarrett Allen

A

The stats: 12 PTS, 6-7 FG, 14 REB, 1 AST, 6 BLK, 3 TO, 35 MIN

The screens. The rebounds. THE BLOCKS.

It seemed like Jarrett was going to finish with 10 blocks this game, but the Pelicans learned their lesson early. 

Another double-double for Jarrett, another game with high awareness and another highlight reel. Jarrett is doing just what he needs to, and is improving his cohesiveness each game. 

Taurean Prince

C+

The stats: 3 PTS, 1-9 FG, 1-6 3PT, 11 REB, 2 AST, 1 BLK, 35 MIN

Taurean Prince really struggled offensively on Tuesday with some ugly possessions. His one made shot, though, came at a key time down the stretch in a tight fourth quarter.

While his three-point outing left the Nets to find offense elsewhere, his rebounding kept him effective. He has had a cold stretch recently, but Taurean has impacted the game in other ways as he finds his shot again. 

Garrett Temple

B-

The stats: 7 PTS, 2-14 FG, 1-6 3PT, 2-3 FT, 5 REB, 5 AST, 1 TO, 39 MIN

Garrett played many minutes in his “homecoming” game (he grew up in Baton Rouge), but did not have his best game offensively. The Nets could have used some key Garrett Temple three-pointers, but his teammates did benefit from his five assists on Tuesday.

(Shoutout DeAndre Jordan, who also registered a season-high five assists.)

It was still good to see Garrett energized with his father and family watching from the crowd. 

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