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Brook Lopez' first playoff game was an astounding success, in all aspects of the game |
Amazing. There isn't any other way to accurately depict yesterday's Nets playoff win over the Bulls in Brooklyn than with that word. The "blackout" crowd, star power (Jay-Z and Mikhail Prokhorov) in the stands, star power on the court, and wire-to-wire lead. Just a completely perfect way for the Nets to play (and win) their 1st-ever postseason game as a Brooklyn team. And in a blowout against a Tom Thibodeau-coached Bulls team? More than anyone could have wished/prayed/hoped for.
Playing up to the incredible hype of the crowd, Brooklyn started off the game with an intensity rarely seen throughout the season. Sure, the Nets have been relatively consistent in scoring this year, but the defense as been as hot and cold as the New York weather of late. But last night, the defense was there for all 48 minutes, and held the Bulls to just 14 points in the 1st quarter, allowing the Nets to take an 11-point advantage (25-14).
As has been the case all year–like when the Nets blew a 16-point lead to these Bulls–a double-digit lead after just 12 minutes isn't nearly enough for this team to file away under the "blowout win" category. The 2nd quarter was ale to do that job. Brooklyn shot 80 percent from the field in the 2nd, outscoring Chicago 35-21. Also, in that same span, the Nets committed just one turnover and outrebounded the Bulls by a margin of 9-2. Compounded with a nice 10-point effort from reserve floor general C.J. Watson, the Nets were able to put this game away by half, leading 60-35.
The 2nd half was just more of the same from the Nets, as Brooklyn was able to successfully nurse its 15+ point lead all the way through till the final buzzer. Just a wonderful night on every end of the Nets spectrum. Also, DWILL DUNKED THE BALL.
Some other observations I had from the game: #ReggieEvansPlayoffReboundWatch: 13. Don't matter if it's preseason, regular season, or postseason, Reggie puts up big numbers……Nets' team slashline (FG%/3FG%/FT%): 56/43/82. It's not hard to win playoff games with those kinds of shooting percentages……80 percent shooting in the 2nd quarter from the Nets. Nuff' said…..Looks like Gerald Wallace is finally awake/healthy/cognizant. He had his best game of the year last night, scoring 15 points on 5-7 shooting with six boards, two blocks, and a number of incredible defensive plays. Crash was playing like the Crash of old…….Joe, Deron, and Brook: 59 points, 23-43 shooting, and just six turnovers. The Big Three shall rise again……Being in the playoffs, even just as a fan, is tons of fun. Nets fans, enjoy this ride while it lasts.
Looking Ahead
Tomorrow night at Barclays. #HelloBrooklynPlayoffsGame2
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