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Team Effort Leads Nets to Blowout Victory Over Jazz

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A+

Final: 01/05/2021

W 130 – 96

In a blink of an eye, the Nets were up double digits — and they never looked back. 

In a game they led by as many as 34 points, the Nets dominated the Jazz in a 130-96 home victory on Tuesday. The result brings Brooklyn back up to 4-4 on the year. 

It was a night that nearly everything went right for the Nets. Particularly, they countered recent weaknesses by limiting turnovers (12), ruling the boards (56-49) and shooting a blistering 55.9% from the field. 

The energy and pace were set out of the gate by the starting lineup, a new-look group that featured Kyrie Irving, Bruce Brown, Taurean Prince, Jeff Green and Jarrett Allen. Irving scored a quick 12 points in the first six minutes as the Nets combined smooth offense with defensive stops.

Building off Irving’s perfect start from the field and defensive presence, the Nets took as large as a 23-point lead in the first quarter and hovered around a 20-point lead throughout the night. The Nets went deep into the lineup early, sporting a 10-man rotation — and each player had at least one point by the early moments of the second quarter. 

The Nets set the tone on both ends of the court, and their strong defensive effort against the Jazz was helped in part by Bruce Brown, who was active from the start against Donovan Mitchell and added six rebounds. Collectively, the Nets scored 27 points off 16 Utah turnovers.

Other major takeaways: Jarrett Allen was dominant inside and Caris LeVert looked like himself again. Allen led Brooklyn’s 68-40 edge in points in the paint and added a big-time 18 rebounds. Meanwhile, LeVert regained his confidence and powered Brooklyn’s 66-33 bench advantage. 

Mitchell led the Jazz with 31 points, while Rudy Gobert was limited to 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting and 11 rebounds. 

After dropping four of their last five games, the Nets needed a win — and this one was a true team effort. Contributions came from throughout the roster as every active player earned meaningful minutes. 

Brooklyn showed a focus without Kevin Durant as he sits out due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, and the team will have to carry that same drive throughout the week. Irving and the starting lineup set the tone for a standout performance where the team’s weaknesses were turned into advantages. 

It is a step forward for Brooklyn amid recent struggles, and Thursday against the 76ers will test if the Nets can extend their successes past Tuesday. 

Kyrie Irving

A+

The stats: 29 PTS, 12-19 FG, 5-7 3PT, 6 REB, 5 AST, 3 STL, 2 TO, 30 MIN

Kyrie Irving was on a mission from the opening tip. Before you knew it, he went off 18 points in a perfect first quarter.

It was clear that Irving was ready to take a leadership role with Durant off the court. Brooklyn was ready off each defensive stop to capitalize on the other end, and Irving was active in deflecting passes to get additional opportunities.

Irving set the tone with his hustle, and the team was prepared to keep up the pace throughout the night. It initially seemed that Irving was going to go off for 60 points, but he did just what was necessary to provide a boost in the right direction.

Caris LeVert

A

The stats: 24 PTS, 9-18 FG, 2-5 3PT, 4-4 FT, 1 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL, 2 TO, 21 MIN

Welcome back, Caris LeVert. 

After starting off 0-of-5 from the field, it seemed as LeVert was going to have another off night. He then surged ahead throughout the second and third quarters, driving to the paint, getting some to fall from distance and setting up his teammates.

The Nets missed this production from LeVert, and to get it off the bench helps even more.

Jarrett Allen

A+

The stats: 19 PTS, 8-9 FG, 3-7 FT, 18 REB, 1 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK, 32 MIN

Rudy Gobert who?

In a matchup that Allen has struggled with in the past, he showed his dominance in the paint from start to finish. Allen grabbed five offensive boards, cleaned up missed shots and created offense off his steals and blocks. (And how about this highlight dish and finish?)

It was a stellar night for Allen, who is showing more each night that he deserves to be the starting center. 

Joe Harris

A-

The stats: 10 PTS, 4-7 FG, 2-4 3PT, 1 AST, 1 STL, 2 TO, 23 MIN

It was a different look for Joe Harris on Tuesday, coming off the bench for the first time since 2018. That did not stop him from knocking down his looks, though.

The Joe Harris fist pump is back, and that signifies all is right in the Nets’ world. It will be interesting to see if Steve Nash uses Joe more off the bench going forward. 

Bruce Brown

A-

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

Bruce Brown went from little playing time this season to a spot in the starting lineup, and his presence made a difference.

Brown showed his impact the most in the first half after providing a boost for the Nets on defense and giving the team another hand on the boards. He is not the best scorer, but he filled his role in assisting his teammates in their areas of need. It will be great to see more of Brown and his energy in future games. 

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