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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Nets vs Raptors (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

2. Filthy Mike James Step Back

Let’s just say the Nets are extremely fortunate that Mike James, who they recently signed to a 10-day contract, left EuroLeague juggernaut CSKA Moscow last month after he was suspended indefinitely following a heated altercation with his head coach.

James came up huge for Brooklyn vs the Raptors, especially in the fourth quarter.

With the Nets trying to put the game to bed with just over five minutes remaining, Fred VanVleet drained a deep three to cut Toronto’s deficit to five points.

Mike James was as good as advertised off of the Brooklyn Nets’ bench.

Then, however, James cleared out the left side of the court after a switch on defense saw him isolated against Raptors big man Khem Birch.

Clearly aware that this was a glaring mismatch, James unleashed a dazzling sequence of dribbles before draining a step back jumper in Birch’s grill to put Brooklyn up seven with 4:58 left on the game clock.

That shot in that moment took guts and proved James belongs on this stage, as he finished with 11 points, three rebounds and eight assists (a team high) on 4-of-5 shooting and a +9 in 21 minutes off the bench.

If the former undrafted talent continues playing like this, don’t be surprised if the Nets sign him for the rest of the season.