In dramatic fashion, the Brooklyn Nets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers even though the odds were against them. James Harden (36 PTS, 10 ASTS, 10 REBS) put together an absolute masterpiece while his running mate in the backcourt in the form of Patty Mills (34 PTS, 8 3PM) was causing absolute mayhem from the perimeter.
Lakers star LeBron James (39 PTS, 9 REBS, 7 ASTS) put on a show, but it wasn’t enough. It seemed after the Nets blew a 23-point lead that the Lakers would capitalize and win, but Brooklyn had another thing planned. In the final minute of the game, Nic Claxton (9 PTS, 6 REBS) put down a perfectly executed alley-oop that unfortunately saw James getting posterized. This not only sparked that much needed momentum for the Nets, but it put an end to Los Angeles’ momentum.
What stood out the most for Brooklyn was how well they stepped up offensively. Although the team is still not at full power, this team just won’t quit no matter what you do. The defense showed up, as usual, and it held a struggling Lakers team to 42% shooting from the field and 29% accuracy from downtown.
What almost led to the Nets slipping up was the transition points they allowed, especially in the final period. In all, the Nets were outscored 21-11 on the fast break. As for their activity on the boards, it wasn’t the best, as they got outrebounded 47-41.
Questions on Russell Westbrook’s (13 PTS, 11 ASTS, 12 REBS) effectiveness stirring up in the coming days shouldn’t come as a surprise. Even though he only turned the ball over three times, his shooting was horrendous, going 4-of-20 from the field overall.
Nets head coach Steve Nash and his squad will be back it again on Monday to take on the Los Angeles Clippers.