Nets Start Second Half of Season with Victory in Utah

nba.com

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

February 19th, 2014

Brooklyn Nets vs. Utah Jazz Post Game Recap

Final Score: Nets 105 Jazz 99

The Brooklyn Nets were able to start of the second half of the season on a positive note with a nice win in Utah against the Jazz. The 105-99 win moves the Nets to (25-27) on the season, as they have moved into the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, and are three games back of the Toronto Raptors in the Atlantic Division.

Player of the Game: Joe Johnson

The Nets lone All-Star Joe Johnson may have not been deserving of the nod for the trip to New Orleans, but on Wednesday he played like an All-Star. Johnson led all scorers with 27 points on 10 for 16 shooting, which included him going four for seven from three-point range. Johnson also had two season-highs, as he dished out six assists, and had three steals to go along with his great scoring. It was a very good sign for the Nets to see a game like this for Johnson, who was struggling heading into the break, as the last time he scored 20 or more points was on Martin Luther King Day against the Knicks.



Positives- 

Andray Blatche was a major force for the Nets off the bench, as he was right behind Johnson in scoring with 25 points of his own. Blatche wasn’t as efficient as Johnson from the field, but still shot over 50%, as he was 11 for 20 from the field. Blatche rounded out his game with six rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal in 31 excellent minutes off the bench.

Shaun Livingston continued his all-around great play for the Nets on Wednesday, as he turned in another good game. In 40 minutes Livingston scored nine points on three for seven shooting, he also had seven assists, five rebounds, and one block.

The turnover battle was a huge victory for the Nets, as if it wasn’t for having a +12 in the turnover category the Nets would have more than likely lost this game. The Jazz bench struggled to protect the ball, as Alec Burks and Diante Garrett each had four turnovers. Rudy Gobert added two turnovers and Brandon Rush had one, as the bench for the Jazz combined for 11 turnovers compared to just one for the Nets bench.

Negatives-

Utah’s Center Enes Kanter was a handful for the Nets small lineup, as he was able to get himself a nice double-double. Kanter scored 18 points on eight for 14 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds, six of which were on the offensive glass. Rebounding in general was a problem for the Nets, as they were out rebounded by the Jazz 46-33.

Deron Williams did get his first win in Utah since being traded to the Nets, but it was a tough night for Williams. Williams scored 19 points, but with wrap on his shooting hand only shot six of 15 from the field. Williams got banged up pretty good in the game as well, as he was hit in the groin, and took an elbow to the head late in the game, but was able to play.

Next up for the Nets will be a few days off before they will be in Golden State playing the Warriors, where newly acquired Marcus Thornton will be making his debut with the team.