Brooklyn Nets lose entertaining game to Rockets, 123-113
By Omri Benami
The Brooklyn Nets played an entertaining game tonight against the Houston Rockets. The Nets came up short in their attempt to match their 20 wins from last season. Houston prevailed in this game 123-113.
The Nets and Rockets play a similar style of basketball. We expected to see a back forth game, and tonight was certainly fast paced. The teams combined for 128 points in the first half, with the Nets shooting a lights out nine of 17 from three point range. Last time these two teams met they set an NBA record with 86 three point attempts.
The Nets actually took a brief lead, 84-80 in the latter stages of the third quarter. But Houston fought back, and took a ten point lead into the fourth. In the end, the Rockets’ superstar firepower was too much for the Nets to handle.
Chris Paul was on fire from three, and finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. MVP candidate James Harden showed off his handles and took over in the fourth quarter. He had 36 points with five assists and a perfect ten for ten from the free throw line. Even with the pace, it felt like Harden was able to isolate against nearly every Nets player at some point in the game.
Former Net Gerald Green was on fire in this one, hitting four of six three point attempts.
The Nets shot very well from three tonight, but were unable to defend Houston. The Rockets shot over 55 percent overall, and were 16 of 33 from the perimeter.
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Jarrett Allen hit the double digit mark in points for the eighth straight game in the first half, and had 16 points overall. His athleticism was on display when he was forced to guard Paul on numerous occasions, and was able to keep up. Jahlil Okafor had 13 points and 4 rebounds. He and Allen have put together a good streak recently, and are providing the Nets with a post presence.
If the Nets young bigs are looking for someone to emulate, it should be Clint Capela. The Rockets big man had a double double with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks.
DeMarre Carroll added 13 points and finished with 21 on the night. Spencer Dinwiddie had 18 points and nine assists, and was on fire from range tonight.
Joe Harris filled the stat sheet with eight points, 9 rebounds, and four assists. It would have been nice to see him go up with some of his drives instead of kicking the ball out, as it became predictable later in the game and led to a few turnovers.
It tough to praise a team when they lose by ten. But the Nets played a good game tonight against a freight train Houston Rockets squad. They certainly could have defended better, but had a tall task and were able to keep up for most of the night.
The Brooklyn Nets will go for 20 again tomorrow night in Detroit against the Pistons. It will be the teams last game before Thursday’s three o’clock trade deadline. The Nets could look different by the end of this week.