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New number, no problem: Dinwiddie leads Nets past Pistons

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A+

Final: 01/28/2020

W 125 – 115

The Brooklyn Nets honored Kobe Bryant’s legacy just prior to tip-off on Wednesday night, showing a tribute video on the jumbotron followed by a moment of silence for all of the victims from Sunday’s tragedy. Flowers were placed on the two seats that Gianna and Kobe sat in during Brooklyn’s victory over Atlanta on Dec. 21. 

It was the “Spencer Dinwiddie show” on Wednesday in Brooklyn. Dinwiddie’s 28 points helped the Nets squash the Pistons for the second time in the last five days. Kyrie Irving and Dinwiddie combined for 48 points in an emotional victory for the Nets.

The Nets entered the fourth quarter with a six-point lead after controlling the pace of the third, and they carried that momentum into the fourth quarter, overmatching the Pistons. Brooklyn moved the ball, played selflessly and defended the perimeter and the paint with grit. For the first time since Kyrie’s return (Jan. 12), the Nets won a game by double-digits.

To begin the contest, the Nets came out firing, taking a 16-4 lead. Jarrett Allen attacked the rim early and often — a sight Nets faithful loves to see. 

But Derrick Rose and Andre Drummond kept the Pistons alive throughout the entire night — just as they did on Saturday night. The Nets also had to face Reggie Jackson, who played in just his sixth game this season after injuring his back. Along with Jackson, Christian Wood and Markieff Morris plagued the Nets in the first half.

With a few seconds remaining in the half, Dinwiddie got fouled beyond the arc. He made all three free throws to give the Nets a 70-68 lead at the half, and Brooklyn never looked back. 

There was one injury tonight for Brooklyn, albeit a minor one. At the end of the first quarter, DeAndre Jordan — who just returned from a five-game absence — accidentally hit Garrett Temple in the eye. Temple received 15 stitches and returned in the second half. 

Wednesday’s victory was Brooklyn’s 20th of the season. Still holding the eighth spot in the East, the Nets now sit at 20-26. Brooklyn will host the Chicago Bulls on Friday night before traveling to the nation’s capital in a matchup against the Washington Wizards.

Kyrie Irving

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The stats: 20 PTS, 7-16 FG, 2-5 3PT, 4-4 FT, 5 AST, 5 REB, 2 STL, 4 TO, 32 MIN

Kobe Bryant and Kyrie Irving had a very special bond.

Against Detroit on Saturday night, he had 45 points and just a single turnover. While Irving did not drop another 40 points tonight, he still played extremely well.

On an emotional night, Irving scored 20 points. He played his role in the offense, passing to open shooters and taking open lanes.

Spencer Dinwiddie

A+

The stats: 28 PTS, 8-13 FG, 4-8 3PT, 8-11 FT, 3 REB, 6 AST, 1 TO, 29 MIN

Donning his new number — “26” — Spencer Dinwiddie scored a team-leading 28 points to lead the Nets over the Pistons. It was an impressive performance from a guy who has endeared himself to Nets fans.

Dinwiddie changed from “8” to “26” in honor of Kobe Bryant’s legacy. A classy move from Dinwiddie.

Jarrett Allen

A-

The stats: 11 PTS, 4-7 FG, 3-4 FT, 6 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 4 BLK, 2 TO, 27 MIN

Against Andre Drummond on Saturday night, Allen played exceedingly well. He scored 20 points and snagged 15 boards, and blocked four shots as well.

Once again, Allen battled rebound-for-rebound, dunk-for-dunk with Drummond. The positive growth from Allen this season has been fun to watch. Previously getting bullied by big men like Drummond, the Fro is now giving him a taste of his own medicine.

Taurean Prince

A+

The stats: 22 PTS, 9-16 FG, 4-8 3PT, 7 REB, 1 AST, 4 STL, 28 MIN

Taurean Prince was nothing short of great on Wednesday for the Nets.

In a season of inconsistency, Prince is looking more comfortable in his role as the starting hybrid power forward. Prince helped seal the game down the stretch by making a couple of clutch shots and some nifty defensive plays.

Keep it up, Taurean.

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