After defeating the Rockets, the Nets look for a back-to-back win as they host the Zion-Less Pelicans.
Both teams came out pushing the ball at a fast pace, but the Nets began to pull away as they found ways to commit effective stops. Deandre Jordan was a force in the paint, and a pest on defense. The Pelicans went 0-9 in the 2ndquarter giving the Nets a short-lived lead. As the Nets created more space, the Pelicans went on an 11-0 run, tying the game in the middle of the first half, 38-38.
The Nets are sitting on a 2-4 record, and one of their weaknesses early in the season has been their high rate of turnovers. Tonight’s game was no different as they turned over the ball 13 times in the first half.
While their turnovers gave the Pelicans fast break points, Kyrie Irving kept the Nets alive as he, and Caris Levert led a 10-0 run, and regained the lead. The Nets went on to make 10 straight shots, as they closed out the first half up 17 points, 67-50.
While the Pelicans came out aggressively in the 3rd quarter, Brooklyn outscored New Orleans, shooting 42 percent from 3. They maintained the lead throughout the 2nd half despite the Pelicans powering back and cutting the lead to 5, after back-to-back treys by JJ Redick. So far this season, the Nets have struggled to maintain a large lead; they watched it collapse, and as Deandre went down with an ankle injury, the Pelicans looked for a comeback. Brandon Ingram led the way with a career high 40 points on the night, but it wouldn’t be enough as the Nets come away with a win.
They defeat the Pelicans 135-125. Kyrie finished with 39 points and 5 assists. Levert added 23 points, Joe Harris knocked down 4 treys of the night, and Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince combined for a 30 and 21 double double.
Brooklyn will have a 3 day rest as they get ready for a 5 game road trip starting with Portland on Friday night.
-Marsha Green, Pure Sports Writer.