After a long trip away from the Barclays Center, the Nets won 2 out of their 5 games on the road, including a win against the Chicago Bulls without their leader Kyrie Irving. Spencer Dinwiddie has shown himself to be a key piece to the puzzle with his scoring off the bench. Tonight they return home and face the Indiana Pacers, as they go after their 6th win of the season.
As Irving misses his second straight game with a shoulder injury, the Nets look for a back-to-back game win. Brooklyn came out explosive in the first few minutes of the game, taking a 10 point lead; but the Pacers went on an 8-0 run and closed the first half 18-18. It was a low scoring quarter, as both teams shot below 30 percent from the field.
As the 2nd quarter was underway, the Nets’ offense became stagnant. They missed shots, committed turnovers, and gave up defensive stops. The Pacers took a 19-point lead, 43-24, with 4 minutes left in the first half. Over the last few years, the Nets have lost their last 10 of 11 games to Indiana. For whatever reason, this matchup has always been a struggle for them. Tonight, would prove the same as Indiana closed the first half with a 24-point lead, 59-35.
With the game slipping away in the 2nd half, Spencer Dinwiddie was the key to bringing the game back within reach. Scoring 10 straight points for the Nets, he instantly became the offensive engine. With a corner trey from Iman Shumpert, and a defensive on ball play, the Pacers lead was cut to 15, 75-60, to close the 3rd quarter.
As Brooklyn fights to stay in the game, the Holiday brothers would join forces to put this game away. Justin and Aaron Holiday combined for 44 points, as they led the Pacers to a win over the Nets 115-86. Brooklyn falls to 5-8 on the season.
Spencer Dinwiddie finished with 28 points, and 8 assists in the loss.
The Nets will host Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
Marsha Nadine – Pure Sports Writer