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Nets’ Fourth Quarter Surge Not Enough to Overpower Cavaliers

By Sandy Mui

Jan 6, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 6, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) shoots the ball over Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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156. Final. 108. 147. 116

The Brooklyn Nets began their three-game home stand against the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night. They dropped their fifth straight game, losing 116-108.

The Brooklyn Nets came into the game off a disappointing loss to the Indiana Pacers on the road. Cleveland had a loss in the books as well, as they dropped a game to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

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The Nets went with yet another different lineup, this time adjusting their starters. Spencer Dinwiddie made his first start in a black-and-white uniform, replacing Isaiah Whitehead, who’s started in Brooklyn’s last four games.

Brooklyn got off to an early start, taking a 6-3 lead three minutes into the game. Despite Dinwiddie picking up three fouls in the first six minutes and Brooklyn’s four turnovers in the period, the Nets were right on Cleveland’s heels in the first quarter. At the end of one period, the Cavaliers led 24-20.

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The Nets still hung around for most of the second quarter, as both teams exchanged baskets and played at a relatively slow pace. However, Cleveland ended the half on a 13-3 run to build their lead to 50-39.

At halftime, LeBron James already had 21 points, while Bojan Bogdanovic led the Nets with 14.

In the first two minutes of the third quarter, Brooklyn was able to cut Cleveland’s lead to single digits, 55-47. The Nets’ run was very short-lived, however, and the Cavs outscored Brooklyn 36-29 in the third. Cleveland led by as much as 24 in the period and led 86-68 entering the fourth quarter.

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The Nets opened up the fourth with two quick baskets by Brook Lopez and Isaiah Whitehead to cut the Cavs’ lead to 11, 86-75. This was part of a 10-0 run by Brooklyn, forcing Cleveland to call a timeout. Following the timeout, two more unanswered buckets, a Brook Lopez dunk and Caris LeVert three-pointer, brought the Nets within single digits.

Unfortunately, three baskets by Kyrie Irving, including two treys, extended Cleveland’s lead back to 14, 96-82, with eight minutes remaining. Brooklyn continued to hang around, bringing the game within single digits multiple times in the final minutes, but it wasn’t enough.

LeBron James finished with a game-high 36 points and 13 rebounds. Kyrie Irving added 32 points and four assists.

Rookie Caris LeVert led the Nets with 19 points. Brook Lopez contributed 17 points. Isaiah Whitehead also posted a double-double, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Next: Long Island Nets Acquire R.J. Hunter

The Nets drop to 8-27 on the season, which stands as last in the Eastern Conference. They continue their home stand against the Sixers on Sunday.

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