Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Brooklyn Nets: 3 most satisfying moments of playoff clinch vs Raptors

By Jerry Trotta

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 27: Blake Griffin #2 of the Brooklyn Nets looks to Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Amalie Arena on April 27, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. 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. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 27: Blake Griffin #2 of the Brooklyn Nets looks to Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Amalie Arena on April 27, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. 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. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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The Brooklyn Nets came into Tuesday night’s clash against the Toronto Raptors with revenge on their minds. Not only were they looking to avoid a season sweep of the series, but the Raptors had beaten them in 20 of their last 22 meetings, if you can believe it.

By the time the fourth quarter buzzer sounded, however, the Nets had taken care of business, defeating their inner conference rival by a final score of 116-103. In doing so, Brooklyn became the first team in the East to clinch a spot in the playoffs.

While the Nets clearly haven’t taken the regular season as seriously as some other teams around the league, next up on their agenda will be locking down the No. 1 overall seed and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

As long as the roster remains intact for the duration of the campaign, they, despite their somewhat difficult remaining schedule, should be able to accomplish that goal. In the meantime, however, let’s highlight some of the best moments from Tuesday’s playoff clincher.

Nets
Nets forward Blake Griffin (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

3. Blake Griffin Clutch Three

The final score would suggest this wasn’t a down-to-the-wire game, but that couldn’t be any further from the truth. The Nets actually didn’t pull away until late in the fourth quarter, where they held a distinct 16-point advantage (36-20) over Toronto.

With just under nine minutes remaining in regulation, Brooklyn was actually trailing by six points and the contest looked there for the taking. That was until Joe Harris and Blake Griffin responded with a 6-0 run to knot up the score at 90.

Blake Griffin just continues to deliver for the Brooklyn Nets.

Harris’ three was followed by a stop on defense. On the subsequent possession, backup point guard Mike James found Griffin wide open at the top of the key. After a brief moment of hesitation, the six-time All-Star pulled up and drained the three.

From there, the Nets wouldn’t look back.

In many ways, this highlight is just a microcosm of the impact Griffin has made off the bench of late, as he finished the game with 17 points, six rebounds and two steals on 6-of-11 shooting.