Nets Snap Losing Streak, Squeak by Raptors

By Ryan McDonald(@RonnieMac90)

Tuesday November 26^th, 2013

Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors

Post Game Recap

The Brooklyn Nets came into Toronto with a 5 game losing streak and left with a 1 game winning streak; defeating the Raptors 102-100.

The Nets had a 15 point lead with under  4 minutes to go in the  4^th quarter and had to survive a late run by the Raptors to come away with the win. It certainly brought back flashes of the game vs. the Bulls in the playoffs as the Nets fumbled the ball away on 3 possessions and suffered a shot clock violation with under  1 minute to go.

Luckily for the Nets, Amir Johnson who is shooting 27% from beyond the arc shot a 3 on the final possession which ended in a miss in a head scratching play drawn up by Raptors head coach Dwayne Casey. But the Nets will take a win at this point anyway they can.

Positives –

Andray Blatche had a great game for the Nets shooting  10-16 from the field for 24 points. It was a surprisingly efficient game for Blatche who normally hovers under .500 field goal percentage when playing big minutes like Blatche did tonight.

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce both chipped in tonight and had solid games for the Nets. Garnett went 5-11 from the field for 12 points with 5 boards and 4 assists while Pierce went 5-8 from the field for 16 points and had 4 boards and assists. These are the types of games that we’re expected of them when they were traded for. Hopefully when the Nets get healthy these two can continue to contribute in this way.

Mason Plumlee and Tyshawn Taylor both came in off the bench and had impactful minutes. Plumlee went 4-5 from the field for 9 points and continues to be in the right place at the right time. Plumlee is a good effort player and benefitted from his effort with a highlight alley oop as he continues to try and dunk every ball he gets his hands on it seems.  Taylor also put in 9 on 4-7 shooting with 4 assists.

Negatives—

Shaun Livingston seems to have lost some confidence in his offensive game. Livingston lacked the aggression we saw earlier in the season, attacking the rim without hesitation. Livingston tonight seemed content in only running the offense but when you’re as injured as the Nets are sometimes you need to be aggressive and look for your own shot. Livingston had 7 assists, but was only 1-3 from the field for 5 points. He was also taken advantage of by the Raptors with sloppy ball handling and decision making late in the game leading to the Raptors rally to make the game close.

 

Up next for the Nets are the Lakers tomorrow night in Brooklyn.