Nets Reaction: The Nets are back on top for the first time since 2003

The Nets overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Rockets on Wednesday.

The Brooklyn Nets entered Wednesday’s home game against the Rockets on a two-game winning streak, and were heavy favorites on paper – but Houston had other plans. A desperate Houston Rockets came out the gates shooting unconsciously, going 79% from the field in the first period. For the game they led by as many as 18.

Luckily for Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving and James Harden kept the offense in striking distance to withstand this shooting barrage. At the end of the half, they combined for 35 of the 57 points Brooklyn scored .

Disaster struck the Nets in the second half when James Harden could not continue play due to an apparent hamstring injury. This didn’t stop players like Joe Harris, Blake Griffin and Nicolas Claxton from stepping up. Harris knocked down 7 threes on his way to 28 points while Claxton and Griffin added 12 points and 11 points respectively. Uncle Drew’s performance was the highlight of the night as he finished with 31 points, 12 assists and 6 rebounds.

With the win, the Nets moved into sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2003.