Brooklyn Nets lose tough game to Cavaliers, 129-123
By Omri Benami
For a while on Tuesday night, it looked like the Brooklyn Nets would be able to pull another one out. The Nets came close to getting their second straight win, and eclipsing last year’s win total. But in the end, the Cavaliers were too much.
The final score was 129-123. The Brooklyn Nets came out fast against the Cavs in the first quarter. They were particularly strong in the paint, with DeMarre Carroll scoring 10 of the team’s first 14 points. Carroll finished with 16 points and six rebounds.
Both teams shot over 50 percent overall in the first half, but the scripts were flipped. The Nets made only three from the perimeter, but attempted 24 free throws in the half, making 18. The Cavs were hitting from range, and got 14 points from Kyle Korver in the second quarter alone. Korver had 18 points total.
Lebron James led the way for the Cavaliers, and recorded a triple-double with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. George Hill had a strong game as well with 26 points and five assists.
As a team, Cleveland shot 50 percent from three, which was the difference in the game. The Nets were 12 out of 32. The Nets free throw advantage dissipated in the second half, as they weren’t able to get the line as much as the Cavs were.
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In his second straight game in as many days, coming off nearly a month off due to injury, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson looked fresh. He was hustling, playing great defense, and contributing in the paint. Hollis-Jefferson finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. Caris Levert had 18 points in 18 minutes and showed some explosiveness going towards the basket.
D’Angelo Russell was the high man for Brooklyn in this game, with 25 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Russell is picking up steam as he gets further into his return from injury. Spencer Dinwiddie added 11 points and 11 assists. So the Nets starting guards combined for 17 assists and just two turnovers. That would be a great trend to see continue moving forward if they want to be successful as a team.
The Nets don’t need to hang their head after this performance. Defensively certain things can be cleaned up, but you can’t expect the opposition to shoot 50 percent from three every night. The team will travel west for a road trip that continues in Sacramento on Thursday night.