The Nets almost beat the defending champion Boston Celtics and the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers over the weekend, so Monday’s recreation towards the gutted New Orleans Pelicans was presupposed to be one among their simpler matchups of the season — not less than on paper.
No staff within the NBA had suffered extra accidents than New Orleans this season. They entered as losers of 4 straight video games and have been with out six of their prime seven scorers. Nonetheless, even with out the likes of Zion Williamson, Jordan Hawkins, Herb Jones and CJ McCollum, the Pelicans — sparked by a monster first half from Brandon Ingram — nonetheless pushed Brooklyn for a full 48 minutes.
Brooklyn has been concerned in tight finishes all season, and Monday’s 107-105 victory was no totally different. A Cam Johnson layup reduce the Nets’ deficit to 2 with 1:15 left, then after forcing two misses on the different finish, a 26-footer from Cam Thomas put the guests up 106-105 with 32.9 second left.
Thomas break up a pair of free throws moments later to make it a 107-105 recreation, and the Pelicans had quite a few makes an attempt at a game-tying or go-ahead bucket. A tie up led to a bounce ball, and the ball was knocked out of bounds with 2.7 seconds left.
The referees initially gave New Orleans possession, however Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez challenged play and the decision was reversed. Brooklyn bought possession and Dennis Schröder dribbled out the clock, ending the staff’s troublesome three-game street journey on a excessive word.
The Nets snapped a two-game dropping streak and improved to 5-6 within the win. They have been swept by the Pelicans in 2023-24.
All 5 Brooklyn starters reached double figures in scoring for simply the third time this season, led by Thomas, who completed with 17 factors. Ben Simmons dished out a season-high 12 assists in 22 minutes off the bench. Ten of his dimes got here within the first half, as he turned the primary Internet since James Harden in 2022 to file double digit assists within the first half.
Noah Clowney, at 20 years and 120 days, turned the youngest participant in franchise historical past to make 5 3-pointers in a recreation. The second-year ahead reached double figures for the second time this season, ending with 15 factors and 7 rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench.
Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle sprain) didn’t play towards the Pelicans. Ziaire Williams, who compelled key misses down the stretch on protection, bought his first begin of the season in his place.
Ingram completed with a game-high 24 factors however was held to 2 factors within the second half. The Pelicans scored 23 factors in transition, essentially the most Brooklyn has surrendered this season, and their bench outscored Brooklyn’s reserves 42-36.
The Nets, who shot simply 42.9% from the sector, dedicated 17 turnovers, which created 20 factors for New Orleans. They’ve a rematch with Boston at Barclays Middle on Wednesday.
