Defeat was almost forbidden for the Nets. They had to take over a decimated Raptors team, like the Sixers two days earlier against which the New Yorkers had failed to make a difference. ” And with everyone on the internet flailing about telling us how embarrassed we should be (to have lost), which is true. “, describes Kyrie Irving. He and his teammates this time signed a more convincing performance, with victory at the end (98-112).
A victory in two stages, so to speak. Taking advantage of the good exterior address of Royce O’Neale, coupled with the interior activity of Nic Claxton, well served by Ben Simmons and the others, the visitors turned very largely in the lead at the end of the first quarter (26- 38). This initial gap quickly melted thereafter, the Nets not managing to control the pair Gary Trent Jr. – Juancho Hernangomez.
So much so that at the break, the two teams were almost tied (51-52). Brooklyn then “recopied” its first quarter in the third, relying on a Kyrie Irving on fire, supplied in particular with good balls by Kevin Durant in transition. Twelve minutes after going to the locker room, Brooklyn had a 15-point lead (76-91).
The reaction of the locals will not take place this time since this gap was maintained until the end.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Kevin Durant overtakes Kevin Garnett. “KD” only needed ten points to pass “The Big Ticket” in the career points rankings. Altruistic and well held by the defense of the Canadians, he did not score much more to overtake the former legend of the Wolves and the Celtics, thus offering himself 18th place, with 26,074 points, within this classification of which he will continue to climb the ladder.
– The Raptors still very diminished. Last night, Nick Nurse could only rely on ten healthy players. Pascal Siakam (adductor) Scottie Barnes (knee), Fred VanVleet (sick), Dalano Banton (ankle), Precious Achiuwa (ankle) or even Otto Porter Jr. (toe) were all in the infirmary.
– Brooklyn archi-dominated on the rebound. In addition to the 19 lost balls, which spoiled the 32 assists generated by the Nets’ game, the big downside to their performance was rebound control. The New Yorkers again showed why they were one of the worst teams in the league in this area by conceding… 23 second chances to their opponents. It’s too much, even if it’s inconsequential because Toronto, with 19 more attempts, has converted only 35% of its shots.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Kyrie Irving. After a discreet first period, the leader took control of operations in the third quarter by scoring 19 of his 29 points in total. Always so creative with his dribbling numbers, he signed his most effective match of the season.
✅ Nic Claxton. Better assessment of the match for the young pivot who, alongside four other well-inspired starters, signs his sixth double-double of the season. His four ball losses somewhat spoiled his almost perfect evening in shooting. He also blocked twice as many shots as the opposing team.
⛔ Malachi Flynn. Between Gary Trent Jr. (6/19 on shots), Chris Boucher (2/15! but 16 rebounds) or even OG Anunoby (7/20 and -29 +/-), there was no shortage of flop candidates on the Raptors side. We stop however on the poor performance of the leader, established for the first time this season. He first seemed to start surfing on his best game at 17 points, against the Hawks, by scoring two award-winning baskets in the first two minutes. Before disappearing from circulation…
THE FOLLOWING
Raptors (9-9) : reception of the Mavs, Saturday.
Nets (9-10) : trip to the Pacers, Friday.
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