NBA
Pacers Snap Nets Seven Game Winning Streak
On Friday, the Nets seven game winning streak was snapped after a 114-106 loss to Victor Oladipo and the Pacers. This loss came off the heels of several strong performances from the Nets. The Pacers entered this game with a vengeance, fresh off a one point loss to the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers courtesy of a Larry Nance Jr. tip-in buzzer beater. In addition, they lost the following night against the Toronto Raptors, where Indiana gave up a 17 point lead. Defense was an issue for the Nets in this one.
Nets vs. Pacers Recap
The Pacers poured in 37 points in the first quarter led by reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week, Thaddeus Young, who scored ten in the first. Brooklyn found their way defensively in the next two quarters. The Nets outscored the Pacers 51-45 in the next two quarters with rookie forward Rodions Kurucs providing the necessary energy, scoring a career high 26 points.
Leading 100-98 with four minutes remaining in the game, Oladipo charged an 8-4 run to put the Pacers ahead with two minutes to go. Afterwards, a late three from Bojan Bogdanovic sealed the game for the Pacers, ending any chance for a Nets comeback.
The Start of the Streak
Brooklyn sparked their winning streak on December 7th with a victory over the Raptors. Toronto currently holds the top record in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors traveled to Brooklyn and lost 105-104 in overtime. The Nets were led by guard D’Angelo Russell, who poured in 29 points on 59.1% shooting.
Russell also led the team with a plus/minus of plus 11. The next game for the Nets was the battle of New York. Brooklyn followed up their victory with a win over the New York Knicks. The Nets benefited from a 25 point performance from sixth man Spencer Dinwiddie.
Dinwiddie’s Excellence
Afterwards, Dinwiddie followed his 25 points with a career defining game in Philadelphia. The guard caught fire scoring 39 points on 4-6 shooting from three and hitting 13-14 free throws. The Sixers defense had no answer for the 6’6″ guard, as Dinwiddie poured in three after three and got to the basket with ease.
His first-step once again proved to be his best move as it created openings for him throughout the game. As a result, general manager Sean Marks showed his appreciation for Dinwiddie by signing the fifth year guard to a three-year, $34 million deal. It also included a player option in the third year. Two days later, Dinwiddie led the Nets again, a 125-118 victory over the Wizards where Dinwiddie scored 27. The success continued against Atlanta as the Nets won 144-127, with Russell scoring 32 and eight Nets scoring in double digits.
Russell’s Revenge Game Extends Streak to Six
Following his 32 point effort, Russell and the Nets welcomed the Lakers who traded away Russell and Timofey Mozgov for Brook Lopez, who is now on the Bucks and a pick that became budding forward Kyle Kuzma. On Tuesday, Russell led the way for the Nets. The young guard scored an efficient 22 points, including a three pointer that sealed the victory for the Nets. Russell also tied a career high with 13 assists. Jared Dudley provided a veteran spark, scoring 13 points on 6-8 shooting. Subsequently, that included a clutch two point jumper near the end of the fourth. Joe Harris also contributed with 19 points, hitting 3-4 three pointers.
Winning Streak Hits Seven Games in Chicago
This was the final win of what was at the time the longest winning streak in the NBA. Dinwiddie scored 27 points off the bench, once again proving his value as a franchise player for the Nets. In addition, Jarrett Allen recorded a game high 12 rebounds along with 16 points to seal the win.
Photo Credit
Highlight Store via Flickr
