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Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash might have wished to downplay the significance of his workforce’s recreation in opposition to the Chicago Bulls, however the Nets performed like that they had one thing to show.
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Coming into the sport in Chicago, the Nets had been simply 0-8 in opposition to top-tier competitors this season. Of the video games performed in opposition to ‘top-tier competitors’ that they had misplaced six of the eight by double-digit figures, and one of many losses in single-digits (Phoenix) they had been down by as a lot as 22 earlier than making a late run when the sport was primarily over.
The losses embrace two in opposition to Chicago and two in opposition to the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks, and the Nets had allowed 116.4 factors per recreation in these video games.
Previous to Wednesday night time’s recreation in opposition to Chicago, Nash mentioned he didn’t view the game as a statement game, and added that it can be a “nice problem” for his facet.
“They need to get a very good win in opposition to Chicago as a result of we’ve misplaced to them twice,” Nash mentioned. “I don’t assume we’re occupied with how are we in opposition to all elite groups. So [Wednesday] is a good alternative to play in opposition to an elite workforce, play effectively, develop, attempt to get a win, however most significantly hold getting higher.”
With Kyrie Irving eligible to play as the sport was performed in Chicago, it marked simply the second time this season that Brooklyn had all three superstars out there to play, and simply the sixteenth time in whole since they joined forces. The Nets are 13-3 in these video games, nonetheless.
James Harden was prepared after lacking a recreation attributable to a hyperextended left knee, and so was Kyrie Irving after a sprained left ankle threw his standing into query.
Harden, particularly, discovered his mojo fairly fast after his one-game absence. He completed with 25 factors, 16 assists (a brand new season-high) and 7 rebounds. Brooklyn’s 132 factors was additionally a brand new season-high.
Brooklyn was embarrassed 118-95 in a Nov. 8 journey to United Heart, a recreation that they led going into the fourth quarter, solely to implode, getting outscored 42-17 within the closing interval. On Wednesday it was a distinct story.
At one stage the sport was tied at 71, however Brooklyn went on to outscore the Bulls 67-41 to safe a straightforward win.
“We performed with objective,” mentioned Nash post-game. “There was no bend or break in our guys tonight, and that was one thing Chicago may really feel.”
Durant, who added 29 factors of his personal, mentioned the workforce was not looking to make a statement tonight.
“Not attempting to make no statements to the league,” he mentioned. “Who cares what they assume? We all know what we carry to the desk and it is all about us. I am positive individuals had been watching that recreation tonight.”
Brooklyn improves to a league-best 15-4 on the highway this season.
The Nets have residence video games in opposition to the Thunder and the Pelicans subsequent, earlier than a match-up with the Cavaliers in Cleveland subsequent Monday.
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