(PHOTO CREDIT: AP)
To say the Brooklyn Nets have struggled in San Antonio since the 2003 NBA Finals is an understatement. Once again, without superstar Kevin Durant, Brooklyn looked to get back on track after a tough loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night. Monday night in San Antonio, Brooklyn looked to end their struggles and prove that they could win there.
In the first quarter, the Nets outscored the spurs 27-21. James Harden did not record a single point in the first quarter but had 4 rebounds and 6 rebounds. Kyrie Irving had 9 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. In the second quarter, Brooklyn was outscored 33-30. They took their foot off the gas at times, and the score proved that. Heading into the third quarter with just a 3-point lead, Steve Nash needed a complete effort from his group. The Spurs were on a mission and outscored Brooklyn 27-24 in the quarter.
With the score even headed to the fourth and the Nets being a team that has historically played poorly in San Antonio, all Nets fans found themselves on the edge of their seats.
A back and forth quarter ended up with the Nets having a 2-point lead with one possession for the Spurs remaining. Sure enough, with no time remaining, the Spurs tied the game. It couldn’t have been any worse for the Brooklyn faithful at that very moment.
To overtime, we go!
Luckily for Brooklyn, they dominated the extra frame. Brooklyn outscored San Antonio 16-5, clinching the game. The final score was 124-113.
James Harden collected his 53rd career triple-double. He had 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 15 assists. Kyrie Irving 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Nicolas Claxton has been all he was hyped up to be and more. Sean Marks ran away with a potential star and stole him with the 31st pick in the 2019 draft. Tonight, Claxton had 17 points, 3 rebounds, and an assist, as well as a couple of highlight-reel plays. Joe Harris had 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. Bruce Brown has continued his dominance and had 23 points, 3 rebounds, and an assist. Landry Shamet had 7 points, 4 rebounds, and an assist.
With Claxton and Brown being key defensive pieces both added within the last two years, Marks and his scouting staff have done their job very well. The Nets did not get lost tonight and stuck with it, something they struggled with earlier in the year. Brooklyn has won nine of its last 10 games and remains in second place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 23-12 record. To easily clinch a playoff spot, Brooklyn needs to pile on the wins and eventually hope to slide into first place.
James Harden returns to his longtime home, Houston, Texas, on Wednesday. The Nets will take on the Rockets, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 PM Eastern Time.
