Nothin' But Nets
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Brooklyn Nets: 25 greatest individual games in team history

ByPhil 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)
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Brooklyn Nets
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – APRIL 3: Kendall Gill #13 of the New Jersey Nets dunks against the Miami Heat on April 3, 1999 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kendall Gill tied and NBA record with 11 steals. 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 1999 NBAE (Photo by Noren Trotman/NBAE via Getty Images)

6. Kendall Gill vs. Miami Heat, April 3, 1999

The New Jersey Nets did not fare well after the lockout ended in early 1999, opening the shortened season with 17 losses in their first 20 games, leading to the firing of coach John Calipari.

When the Miami Heat arrived at Continental Airlines Arena on April 3, 1999, they came with a 19-10 record, while the Nets were just 6-24.

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But it was New Jersey that stole the game — literally — forcing 20 Heat turnovers en route to an 88-77 win.

Kendall Gill set the tone for the Nets, setting a franchise record and tying an NBA mark with 11 steals, finishing with an unconventional triple-double comprised of 15 points, 10 rebounds and the 11 thefts.

Miami’s big three of Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway and Jamal Mashburn was rendered a big one, as Mourning finished with 23 points, 17 rebounds and nine blocks, but Hardaway and Mashburn combined for just 15 points, going a combined 6-for-28 with 10 turnovers.

Keith Van Horn shook off a horrible shooting night by getting to the line and converting, leading New Jersey with 27 points despite going just 6-for-24. He augmented his night with a perfect 15-for-15 mark at the free throw line and recently acquired Stephon Marbury added 21 points.

Gill had been a 20-point-a-game scorer for the Nets just two seasons earlier, but in 1998-99 averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.5 assists in 32.1 minutes per game, leading the NBA in steals.

He shot .398/.2-for-17/.683, but showed that on any given night, anyone can be the star.

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