Brooklyn Nets: 25 greatest individual games in team history
By Phil Watson
![CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 4: Deron Williams #8 of the New Jersey Nets takes a foul shot during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 4, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 4: Deron Williams #8 of the New Jersey Nets takes a foul shot during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 4, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/bf9ad86b4c28cef666d26153cae091b617d85c5f56ca54f16a67c3f0f435eb0c.jpg)
10. Rick Barry vs. Pittsburgh Condors, Jan. 15, 1971
The New York Nets had hoped to improve after acquiring superstar Rick Barry from the Virginia Squires in September 1970, giving up cash and their 1971 first-round pick to get the former NBA scoring champ.
But Barry missed the first five games of the season with a sore foot and, after returning for one game, missed more than a month with a sprained ankle.
More from Nothin' But Nets
- Nets star Mikal Bridges labeled top ‘trade target’ for serious title contender
- LAST CHANCE: Get $2,500 Bonus for Any NBA Draft Bet Before FanDuel Promo Expires Sunday
- Bet365 New Jersey Bonus: Bet $1, Win $200 GUARANTEED on ANY NBA Finals Bet Tonight!
- BetRivers NJ Promo: Bet $500 on the NBA/NHL Finals, Get a Bonus-Bet Refund if You Miss!
- DraftKings New Jersey Promo: Bet $5, Win $150 INSTANTLY on ANY NBA Playoff Game!
And as strange as it seems, the adjustment to getting Barry back was a rough one for the Nets, who were 12-12 when Barry returned in December, but were just 18-24 when the Pittsburgh Condors arrived at Island Garden on Jan. 15, 1971.
Pittsburgh was struggling as well at 20-29, but came from behind late to grab a 120-117 victory behind 28 points from All-Star John Brisker.
That spoiled a terrific night for Barry, who scored a Nets ABA-record 53 points in the loss. It was one of four 50-point games for Barry in his two seasons in New York. He would go on to score 51 in a win over the Utah Stars in March 1971.
Despite being limited to 59 games, Barry was an All-Star for the Nets in 1970-71 and was named to the All-ABA first team after averaging 29.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 42.4 minutes per game, shooting .469/.221/.890.