Nets Hold Off Knicks For First Win Of The Season
Brooklyn has embraced the Nets since their move to the city but the battle for New York is still one they’re trying to win.
Caris LeVert’s huge night at the Barclays would allow the Nets to add another chapter in their rivalry with their crosstown rivals.
The Brooklyn Nets squeaked by the New York Knicks 107-105 on Friday night at the Barclays Center.
Brooklyn guard Caris LeVert’s layup with one second to play gave the Brooklyn Nets the victory as the Nets took their home opener vs the scrappy Knicks.
Caris LeVert, who tied his career-high in the season opener with 27 points, went for a career-high 28 points in Friday night.
LeVert had a efficient night shooting the ball as he went 8-for-13 from the field while making 10 of his 11 free throw attempts. He would add six rebounds and five assists to his strong night.
The Brooklyn Nets used a strong first quarter shooting display (14-for-20 FG, 3-for-3 3 PT) to take a 33-24 lead into the second quarter.
Enes Kanter, who scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds on Wednesday night, carried the scoring load for New York in the first half.
Kanter would score 16 first-half points for the Knicks as New York recovered from a rough shooting first quarter to trail 57-50 at the half.
Behind their youthful talent, New York rallied in the third quarter to take their first lead since the opening moments of the game at the 5:38 mark of the period and would take a 76-74 lead into the fourth.
New York put together an outstanding third period on defense as they limited the Nets to 17 points.
Turnovers would ultimately play a role in New York climbing back from a double-digit deficit in the first half.
Brooklyn would commit 22 turnovers in the game on Friday while New York committed only three.
A back-and-forth fourth quarter saw Brooklyn just slightly doing enough to get the victory at home.
Brooklyn Nets center Jarrett Allen would record his second straight double-double to start the season as he finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
D’Angelo Russell would put forth a solid effort with 15 points, six assists and five rebounds. The Brooklyn Nets dominated the glass as they finished with a 55-36 edge in rebounds.
The Nets bounced back from a tough 103-100 season-opening loss to the Detroit Pistons on the road.
Nets coach Kenny Atkinson talked about late-game execution following Wednesday’s game saying his team failed to do that vs the Pistons. On Friday, they answered their coaches call.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks, who took a 126-107 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden, put up a tough fight despite a poor shooting game.
New York shot only 40 percent from the field while shooting 9-for-28 from three-point range.
Tim Hardaway Jr. and Enes Kanter would both lead the way for the Knicks with 29 points apiece.
Rookie forward Kevin Knox would rebound from a tough NBA debut by scoring 17 points (7-for-14 FG, 3-for-4 3 PT) while adding six rebounds in 28 minutes off the bench.
The Brooklyn Nets will visit the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night as apart of a back-to-back as they look for their second consecutive victory.
The New York Knicks will return to the Garden on Saturday night as well as apart of a back-to-back as they face the Boston Celtics.
What are your thoughts on tonight’s Brooklyn Nets victory? Leave your comments below!
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