 |
| Reggie Evans played significant minutes tonight, and certainly didn't disappoint, grabbing 11 rebounds and scoring eight points to boot |
The Brooklyn Nets are still undefeated in 2014. After a dramatic, come-from-behind two days ago in Oklahoma City, the Nets decided they wanted a less tense second win of the new year. They got that by jumping out to a double-digit lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second quarter, blowing said lead in the third, and then extending it again–and holding on for a win–in the fourth.
Kevin Garnett was given yet another rest day, so Reggie Evans started in his stead–finally garnering some actual playing time–and was great, leading Brooklyn in rebounds with 11, six more than the player with the next most (Andray Blatche). In his 27 minutes, Reggie did miss some easy layups but also contributed to his team's stifling defense on Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson, who combined to shoot just 5-for-14 from the field. Also, the hustle he exerts on every play led to some second chances which the Nets converted for precious points in this low-scoring affair.
Brooklyn shot well throughout the entire first half, as the Nets won the first quarter by five points and the second by eight, resulting in a substantial 51-38 halftime lead. However, that lead turned to a deficit in the third quarter as the Nets' struggles with that frame presented themselves again this evening. Cleveland, with a bunch of open three-pointers, turned a 13-point Nets lead into a three-point one of their own. The Nets managed to save some face before the quarter ended, though, with a 5-0 run accentuated by a Mirza Teletovic three thagave them a two-point advantage heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, it was the exact opposite. Brooklyn returned to the heavy ball movement sets of the successful first half which resulted in easy buckets and high-percentage chances. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers were blanketed by a surprisingly active Nets' defense that swarmed to open shooters, collected rebounds, and even caused some turnovers. Before the 6:00 minute mark was reached, Brooklyn was up by nine points and never looked back, holding the Cavs off at arm's length.
Some other observations I had from the game: Another 2014 Nets win, another great performance from both Deron Williams and Paul Pierce. D-Will took charge early as a main catalyst of the Nets' big first half lead. He went 7-for-10 from the field to score 21 points in addition to dishing out six assists. His biggest stat of the night, though: one turnover. Great sign for Deron. Meanwhile, Paul continued to hit shots, scoring 17 on 6-of-14 shooting (jncluding two big threes. He looks like more of a leader in every game…..Mirza made a guest appearance, hitting three three-pointers in his 12 minutes of play. Boxed out nicely a few times, but really didn't do much else on the floor…..Andray Blatche returned from his four-game "personal reasons" absence and immediately started scoring, pouring in 12 of his own. In addition to making the Dray-trademarked shots we expect from him, Blatche also made a bunch of nice passes and even took a charge, showing that he does some helpful, selfless things on the floor sometimes….Joe Johnson missed all five of the threes he attempted and was 1-for-7 overall. He gets a pass, because without him, the Nets wouldn't have their best win of the season.
Looking Ahead
The Nets have Sunday off as they take on the Atlanta Hawks in Brooklyn on Monday night, looking for their 3rd-straight win.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
