NEW YORK — Despite the Brooklyn Nets playing on the second night of a back-to-back, few expected Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bulls to start off the way it did. Within the game’s first three minutes, the Nets trailed the Bulls 13-0 after Chicago went 5-of-6 from the field and 3-of-4 from deep. Veterans like Royce O’Neale had to steady the ship for Brooklyn in that moment.
“I mean, we just stay composed, stay with it,” O’Neale said after putting up 20 points, nine rebounds, and four assists while shooting 6-of-10 from the three-point line in Sunday’s 118-109 win over the Bulls. This was the first game this season that O’Neale made six three-point shots and his second time shooting at least 60% from three-point land in a game.
“I mean they (the Bulls) came out hot, making everything,” O’Neale said. In fact, Chicago was shooting the ball so well that they were leading 30-9 with 4:37 left in the first quarter after a layup by Zach LaVine. From there, the Nets had to work their way back methodically and with patience. After Chicago’s shooting came down to earth and Brooklyn picked up its play on both sides of the ball, the Nets ended up leading 44-41 with 5:27 left in the second quarter.
After that, Brooklyn kept their foot on the gas and never gave the Bulls much of a chance to get back into the game. “I think just our defense and locking in on that, getting stops and then, sharing the ball. We’re gonna keep shooting, make or miss,” O’Neale said.
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