Tonight the Nets played the reigning NBA champs, The Golden State Warriors. The Nets knew this would be a great task ahead as The Warriors have been playing pristine basketball and have shown no signs of slowing down.
In the 1st quarter the Nets were offensively aware; knocking down shots inside, while also keeping up with Golden State behind the arc. Though Stephen Curry let off a barrage of 3’s early on in the quarter, the Nets held their composure and worked both ends of the floor.
While the Nets were able to stay close to the Warriors in the 1st, as the 2nd quarter progressed, missed shots and turnovers caused the Warriors to go on a run, as they outscored the Nets and finished the first half 63-49.
Caris LeVert and D’Angelo Russell started the 2nd half with offensive cognizance, as both players made timely shots to help shrink the Warriors lead, but as the quarter continued the Nets would not be able to hold off the Dubs as they trailed Golden State by 18 points in the middle of the 3rd.
The Brooklyn Nets refused to go out without a fight. The 4th quarter is where the comeback looked imminent. Allen Crabbe knocked down treys, Jared Dudley cut to the basket for timely layups, and Caris LeVert continued to push the offense. The Nets outscored the Warriors 37-27 in the 4th, but it would not be enough; The Warriors defeat the Nets 120-114 in a close game at the Barclays.
Caris LeVert finished with 23 points and 7 dimes; Russell added 25 points, 6 boards, and 6 assists. Crabbe and Dinwiddie combined for 26 points.