A victory, a defeat, a victory… Such is the rhythm at a trot followed by the Nets since the beginning of 2022. New illustration this night with a success on the floor of the Wizards snatched two days after a defeat in Cleveland. Wizards, surfing them on four wins in five games, who missed several opportunities to win at the buzzer.
Carried by a great Kyrie Irving, especially in the first period, the Nets raced in the lead for the vast majority of the game. Ahead shortly after a quarter (28-33), the visitors scored 41 points in the following period to turn with a comfortable lead at the break (62-74), after shooting at 63% success.
This gap was maintained in a third act much less focused on the attack (86-97), before an awakening of the locals, more serious in defense, in the final period. More combative and more rewarded for getting passes on the free throw line, the Wizards have recovered their delay possession after possession. But without ever going back.
After a 3-point basket from Kyle Kuzma in the corner, Washington was only one point behind with 36 seconds remaining. Despite a confused end to the game, neither the former Lakers player nor Spencer Dinwiddie at the buzzer managed to penalize the Nets to win.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– A breathless “money time”. Many things to remember from the last minute of play, starting with this shot in the corner from Kyle Kuzma, well served by Bradley Beal, to come back to a point at 36 seconds. After a time-out, Kyrie Irving preferred to try his luck at 3-pointers, to kill the game as it was open, rather than letting the clock run. He was miraculously able to recover the leather to serve James Harden. This one, after winning seconds, was countered by Montrezl Harrell on his penetration. In the aftermath, the Wizards, rather than looking for a fault under the circle, remained “stuck” at the 3-point line. With the result that we know…
– Nets remain undefeated in close games. Look no further for the most comfortable team in the league when the final gap does not exceed three points: it is the Nets. With this success, they display a perfect record of six victories in as many meetings in such circumstances. Note that the Wizards are not clumsy either in this area with eight wins in eleven games.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Kyrie Irving. An offensive recital in the first period, in which he scored 22 of his 30 points. The point guard once again showed his ability to create spaces for shooting, including three to four meters from the circle. Less skilful behind the arc, he eased off in the second half as his side seemed in control. Note his good connection with LaMarcus Aldridge whom he supplied with good balloons.
✅ LaMarcus Aldridge. Maximum efficiency for the interior who signs his best offensive game of the season and even since he wears the Nets jersey. None of the opposing insides managed to interfere with his characteristic shot. James Harden and Kyrie Irving did not hesitate to feed him in his preferential spots.
✅ Bradley Beal’s Lieutenants. While the fullback finished as his team’s top scorer and assist, he still received support from five other players who finished with 11 or more points. The trio from the bench Hachimura – Avdija – Harrell had a positive impact in the last quarter, on both sides of the field.
⛔ James Harden. He came very close to a new triple-double but the Nets leader again gives off the feeling of being hesitant offensively: attack or distribute? This question, which he did not have in Houston, obviously has a big impact on his success. That night, he only converted 33% of his shots and above all dropped 8 of his 12 balls lost by his team.
THE INTERCEPTION… OF A NET ASSISTANT
Unlikely scene in the middle of the quarter. A member of Steve Nash’s staff deflected a ball intended for Kyle Kuzma in the corner, resulting in an interception for his team. None of the referees saw this gesture which caused the incomprehension and anger of the Wizards. ” It was worthy of AAU basketball (American Athletic Union, the association of amateur sports in the USA)”, in particular sent Kyle Kuzma, furious
THE FOLLOWING
Wizards (23-22) : reception of the Raptors, Friday
Nets (28-16) : trip to San Antonio, Friday
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