The Brooklyn Nets handled business on Monday by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers. This marked the team’s third consecutive victory, and also the Cavaliers’ fourth consecutive loss.
Cleveland seemed in cruise control at the start of the game. They opened up a 12-point lead with Darius Garland (24 PTS, 11 PTS) and Jarrett Allen (20 PTS, 15 REBS) having their way. As expected, it was only a matter of time until the Nets matched their energy, especially on the defensive end.
The Cavaliers were held to only 19 points coming out of the half and Brooklyn capitalized by putting up 32 points in that third period. Of course, this put Cleveland in a tough position to close out down the stretch.
Kevin Durant (27 PTS, 9 ASTS) was already getting his, but contributions from LaMarcus Aldridge (21 PTS, 11 REBS) and Cam Thomas (11 PTS) was enough to give Brooklyn that much needed momentum in the third period.
When it was time to close out the game, Patty Mills (17 PTS) stepped up defensively while also knocking down timely shots to seal the deal. Thanks to James Harden (14 PTS, 14 ASTS) and Durant’s orchestration offensively, it made it easy for the team to find their shots.
In the end, although Cleveland managed to outrebound Brooklyn 53-42, the Nets’ hot shooting (47%) was too much. Steve Nash’s squad will be back at it again on Wednesday to take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.