The Brooklyn Nets -- to borrow a line their coach, Lionel Hollins, used recently when asked about Brook Lopez’s performance -- probably shouldn’t be pouring themselves any glasses of champagne or anything. But they did snap their five-game losing streak Friday night against the Kevin Durant/Russell Westbrook-less Oklahoma City Thunder, winning 94-92, at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Nets, who trailed by as many as 10 late in the third, are 5-7. It was ugly. Really ugly. But it’ll work. Reggie Jackson missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer. Exhale.
Player of the game: Deron Williams carried the Nets in the fourth quarter, throwing in a couple highlight-reel dribbles which led to some pretty baskets during their comeback. Williams had 17 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Stat of the game: Lopez (16 points, 10 rebounds) recorded his first double-double since Game 5 of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs (April 29, 2013 against the Chicago Bulls). Again, he had an up-and-down performance overall. There were defensive lapses and turnovers, too.
Play of the game:
Reggie Jackson crams a dunk on Brook Lopez and Kevin Garnett https://t.co/iq8q0WpdMZ— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 22, 2014
Outburst of the game: Jarrett Jack did not use a screen that Lopez set for him. Lopez’s response was a bit surprising, to say the least.
Up next: The Nets get the defending champion San Antonio Spurs Saturday night in the second half of a back-to-back set.