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Box Score – Hoopinion – Peachthree Hoops
Let’s be honest, this was a game the Nets needed to win. They got off to a 9-0 lead to start the game and led throughout the contest. But after the Hawks got a big effort from Jamal Crawford and sent the game to Overtime, I’m sure most Nets fans got a very bad feeling. However the Nets made sure this would not be a disappointing night as they got off to a fast start in the OT period and ended up with a 107-101 win over the Atlanta Hawks. The team got big performances from their stars and got this Thanksgiving Week started with an impressive victory.
Before the game I talked about Anthony Morrow and Travis Outlaw needing to put together a big performance on the same night. Well both had their moments tonight as Outlaw got off to a fast start in the game and Morrow hit some big shots in the 4th quarter. They combined for 22 points on 8 of 19 shooting but they were effective when they needed to be.
There is no doubt that the star for the Nets tonight was Brook Lopez. He scored the Nets first 7 points and didn’t stop on his way to a 32-point night on an impressive 12-19 shooting performance. He clearly was comfortable going against Al Horford and he showed his entire offensive game with numerous post moves, dunks/layups and jump shots. Tonight you saw the Brook Lopez that people talk about when referring to a future all-star player.
The other major player I want to touch on from this game is Devin Harris. As a whole Nets fans are divided on what they think of Harris. While many fans feel he is one of the top 5-7 point guards in the NBA, others think that he is very expendable. Well tonight he proved why the Nets would be foolhardy to get rid of him. 27 points, 9 assists and leading the team in all facets of the game is a combination I would love to see from my point guard in every game. Devin did it all tonight; he hit the three, he drove the lane in transition and he even made 6-8 free throws. I tip my cap to you Devin, as your performance tonight is something I hope to see more often.
I continue to like the effort that Jordan Farmar brings as the backup point guard on this team. Yes I know he was 1-8 tonight and only had 3 points (and some big turnovers) but the sense of poise he brings to the offense is something that really benefits this team. I especially like when Avery goes to a lineup of Farmar and Harris together. They really compliment each other well and although they are both point guards, they know how to share the ball effectively.
So while the Nets should have finished this game off in regulation and had a somewhat easy victory, getting the W is all that counts. Now they head into Beantown tomorrow night for a tough game at the TD Garden. Hopefully they have a similar effort tomorrow night that they had tonight, and maybe us Nets fans have a very good thanksgiving.
