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Ranking Every Joe Johnson Game-Winner For Brooklyn Nets

By Christian Milcos

Feb 8, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning basket against the Denver Nuggets at Barclays Center. The Nets won 105-104. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning basket against the Denver Nuggets at Barclays Center. The Nets won 105-104. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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3. Nov. 15, 2013: Nets vs. Suns (100-98)

Perhaps the aspect that stands out most from this instance is the swagger and coolness with which Johnson finds the bottom of the bucket. He snatched the tip-out from Kevin Garnett and without hesitation, took off.

Some players may have looked for an open man down the court; some may have looked to the sideline for direction from the coaching staff; or some may have been intimated by the two lengthy defenders who were looming. Johnson embraced the situation and ensured his team would secure the win. This mentality and awareness to make a savvy play with the game on the line is a trait that simply cannot be taught.

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Another interesting aspect of this play was Johnson’s hesitation before driving. In an interview with USA Today after the game, Johnson confirmed this hesitation was intentional, as he hoped to make defenders believe he was pulling up for a three. This small decision may have been a huge difference maker in the game’s outcome.

Johnson’s varying speeds as he brought the ball up the court made defenders think twice about committing to a spot, in turn giving him just enough time to drive to the hoop. Having the state of mind to know exactly how much time was on the clock and using that knowledge to throw defenders off balance demonstrates Johnson’s high basketball IQ in dire scenarios.

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This victory was a bright spot in the middle of the darkest part of the 2013-14 season. Despite extremely high expectations heading into that season, the Nets began the year 10-21. Following an impressive victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder (stay tuned for analysis on that game-winner), Brooklyn was able to turn its season around and finish with a record above .500.