Second-half changes on protection allowed the Nets to flee American Airways Heart with a 113-109 win on Monday. Whereas the playoffs are effectively out of attain, Brooklyn continues to indicate grit.
“We’re still showing that we want to play and want to win and want to be here,” Jalen Wilson stated. “And I think it’s always cool to get road wins. You’re in a place where no one wants you to win, nor is it in your favor, and we just find a way to win.”
The Nets had been outscored 32-14 within the paint via two quarters of motion, and had no reply for Anthony Davis, who scored a team-high 10 factors for Dallas within the first half on 4-for-5 capturing. On Monday, Brooklyn trailed 63-58 at halftime. Davis scored simply 12 factors on 6-for-9 capturing when the Mavericks visited Brooklyn every week prior.
“He was going half speed… He was like… He was chilling,” Nic Claxton stated following the Nets’ 19-point loss to Dallas final week. “I’ve played against him a lot and he wasn’t being super physical and like being in the paint. He was really just hitting his middys, getting to his spots. He was kind of coasting to me. He was getting his legs back under him.”
Nonetheless, Monday’s second half was a special story. After giving up 63 factors within the paint within the first half, the Nets surrendered simply 24 over the ultimate two quarters. Head coach Jordi Fernandez credited Claxton’s robust defensive effort on Davis, which made him much less environment friendly. Davis made only one discipline purpose within the second half and took solely 5 photographs.
Additionally, within the second half, the Nets had 10 fastbreak factors and Dallas had none. The Mavericks dedicated simply 5 turnovers, however Brooklyn took benefit and turned them into seven factors — a marginal but essential edge in a recreation that featured 16 ties and 19 lead modifications. Dallas was additionally restricted to 40.9% capturing within the second half in comparison with 54.8% within the first half.
“I think our defense in the second half, allowing 46 points, that’s the way you find wins in the NBA,” Fernandez stated.
Drew Timme, who signed a two-year take care of the Nets final Friday, has additionally continued to impress Fernandez in restricted motion. The Richardson, TX native scored simply 9 factors in his homecoming efficiency, however did it on a 50% clip, added three rebounds, one help and one block, and showcased robust defensive instincts across the basket.
“He made big plays,” Fernandez stated. “He was vertical at the rim three times. He had a block at the rim, too, and that defense helped us. And if you look at the offense, eight turnovers for the game, that’s how you give yourself a chance to win again, taking care of the ball. It was great… So, great performance as a team.”
