• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

Nets 90 Hawks 88

The Nets entered tonight’s contest with a 1-9 record. The team is struggling offensively and with the Hawks in town the Nets looked to bounce back from a disastrous road trip. The Hawks are without starters Kent Bazemore and Jeff Teague who are both out with injuries. Dennis Schroder and Kyle Korver were inserted into the lineup for the visiting team

The Nets showed some early defensive pressure however they could not capitalize on early Hawks turnovers. The Hawks had 8 turnovers in the first period alone while the Nets had 6. It was a low scoring 1st quarter as the Hawks led the Nets 19-17 at the end of the period.

Jarrett Jack was the high scorer in the first period for the Nets as he had 6 points off of two three’s that were assisted by former Hawk Joe Johnson. Johnson did not score in the first period as he continues to struggle from the field this season. Turnovers were a major part of the story. Both team combined for 32 turnovers in the game. The absence of Jeff Teague was seen early for the visitors as they struggled to move the ball, however they returned to their form early in the second period.

Joe Johnson in warm-ups looking to come out of his slump. Photo Sherman Gomez/PureSportsNY
Joe Johnson in warm-ups looking to come out of his slump. Photo Sherman Gomez/PureSportsNY

Johnson did not get his first bucket until the 4:37 mark in the 2nd period hitting a 3 after previously assisting on 4 3point scores by Jarrett Jack and Shane Larkin.

Brook Lopez was the big man on campus once again. He scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as he had his way with the Atlanta frontcourt duo of Al Horford and Paul Milsap. Brook led a balanced Nets attack; the starters scored 74 points while the bench only added 16 with 14 of those coming from Shane Larkin in just over 13 minutes of action.

The Hawks were led by Al Horford who tallied 18 points and 5 rebounds however without Jeff Teague in the line-up the Hawks ball movement seemed to disappear and they did not get into their sets as smoothly as they normally would. Dennis Schroder did have 10 assists in the game and he led all players in that category.

Paul Milsap preparing to battle Brook lopez. Photo: Sherman Gomez PureSportsNY

Paul Milsap preparing to battle Brook lopez. Photo: Sherman Gomez PureSportsNY

The MVP moment for the Nets came from veteran forward Thaddeus Young, in the waning moments of the game he came up with two big free throws to seal the victory after he was fouled on a fast break. Coach Lionel Hollins spoke about that paly and added that he wanted to call time out after the nets recovered the turnover however Young was far ahead of everyone on the break so he decided not to call it.

Jarrett Jack spoke about the teams recent struggles with closing out games and added that the Nets “start building and continue to develop a winning culture.” This was a team effort and the Nets need to continue to play as a cohesive unit to replicate this kind of offensive production and defensive focus. As Brook Lopez stated “we have to have that effort against every team every night,” to continue to win.

The Nets are now 2-9 on the season with their next game tomorrow on the road against the Hornets.

Twitter: sherman@sharmangmz1

Email: shermangmz1@gmail.com

Photo: Getty Images/NBA

 

By Sherman Gomez

"Basketball is my favorite sport, I like the way they dribble up and down the court." "I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish I was a baller." "Last week messed around and got a triple double." I write about basketball sometimes and then I try to go play....

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