The NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament kicked off last night, and the Nets are off to a roaring start. Brooklyn, who is in East Group C, went to Chicago and defeated the Bulls 109-107 on Chicago’s new all-red court.
To advance to the knockout stage, Brooklyn must-win Group C or come in second and try to snag a Wild Card spot. The red-hot Boston Celtics are also in Group C, so it’s important the Nets beat all of their other group members (the Raptors, Bulls, and Magic) to give them the best chance at getting that Wild Card spot.
The Nets gritty win in Chicago was the perfect start. Nine Nets players appeared in last night’s win, and all nine scored between six and 21 points. That is a total team effort.
Brooklyn’s bench has been superb this season and continued that trend last night. Lonnie Walker IV posted a plus-nine off the bench, while Day’Ron Sharpe and Dennis Smith Jr. each posted a plus-eight.
Zach LaVine’s interesting decision-making aided Brooklyn’s win
Oh my goodness, Ben Simmons gives every Nets fan a heart attack by punching the ball to Zach LaVine, who misses a game-tying jumper at the buzzer. Nets win: pic.twitter.com/muOCF5Y9P2
— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) November 4, 2023
With Chicago down two, LaVine purposely missed the free throw to try and get the rebound, which he secured after Ben Simmons curiously batted the ball out behind the three-point line. With just under four seconds, LaVine picked the ball up and, in one motion, launched an unbalanced three, which he missed. He had significantly more time and did not need to force that shot, but Brooklyn would take it.
Could Brooklyn look to acquire LaVine this season?
Elite help defense by Royce O’Neale helped secure the win
Great help defense from Royce O'Neale recognizing Zach Lavine is not passing this ball.
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) November 4, 2023
Caruso not a concern in this spot.
Defensive play of the game. Another gutsy win for Brooklyn led by the bench. pic.twitter.com/jfl52JQJop
On Chicago’s penultimate possession of the game, LaVine attacked the rim, and O’Neale stepped in and forced him to take a difficult shot instead of following his man, Alex Caruso, out to the three-point line.
Brooklyn has shown all season long that they will win games with toughness and smartness.
Ex-Brooklyn Nets superstar praises the young Nets
Kevin Durant may be in Phoenix, but he still loves the Nets, and praised Ben Simmons' young team ahead of the in-season tournament