photo credit: House of Highlights
If Steve Nash and Mike D’Antoni were able to get their basketball team to play their A-game against a lesser skill team, they should both seriously consider motivational speaking. The Nets looked like their usual, formidable selves against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. The Nets showed no signs of fatigue after losing a brutal game to the Detroit Pistons less than twenty-four hours prior. Kyrie Irving, who has recently suffered a swollen thumb, and James Harden, who could have been worn down, both played both games in the back-to-back. Former Net Caris LeVert returned to Brooklyn for the first time after being traded (in the James Harden blockbuster deal) but did not play due to a kidney issue discovered right after the trade. Nets players shared heartfelt moments with LeVert before and after the game. It was a pleasure watching #22 develop and shine here in Brooklyn, and he will always hold a special place in the hearts of all Nets fans. We wish him all the best of health and play in Indiana.
On to the game - the Nets came to play from tip-off and bounced back from the infuriating loss that occurred Tuesday night. As they continued to dictate and push the play, the Nets finished the first quarter with 27 points. In the next twelve-minute frame of play, Brooklyn outscored their opponents 35-12. Up 62-30 at halftime, the Nets were evidently in a very comfortable place heading to their locker room. In the second half, the Pacers picked up their game and outscored the Nets 32-20 in the third quarter and 32-22 in the fourth. The Nets took their foot off the gas a bit, but this is a start to playing better against less competitive teams. It’s also important to note that their usual starters did not see as much playing time in the second half. The Nets won the game 104-94 and improved to 15-12 on the season.
Kyrie Irving remains hot and dropped 35 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists. James Harden had 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. Joe Harris had 17 points, 2 rebounds, and an assist. DeAndre Jordan has improved and continues to be a serviceable two-way center. Overall a much stronger overall effort from Nash’s Nets. If this continues, the Nets are in for a treat. It only gets better, and the team only gets better when MVP candidate Kevin Durant gets out of his quarantine on Friday. The Nets know what needs to be done going forward, and it’s time to get to work and execute.
The Nets travel to California to take on the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, Kevin Durant’s former team. Tip-off will take place at 8:30 PM Eastern Time at the Chase Center.