Nets at Bulls Recap: In too Deep

Joe Johnson was listed as an game time decision but he decided to give it a go. The Nets decided to get Brook Lopez involved early, which was similar to the strategy in game one and Deron Williams was assertive with the jumpshot. He was fouled on a three point attempt and then connected from deep following that play. He was also great on defense, giving Kirk Hinrich little room to breathe. It caused the Chicago team to struggle on offense and the Nets took a 12 point lead in the first quarter. Lopez committed his second foul and was subbed out for Andray Blatche with four minutes left in the quarter. The Bulls followed with an 14 to 0 run and the Nets shot 23% from the field after starting off great.

Blatche ended the run but the camera was on C.J. Watson and Nate Robinson when guarding each other. They both stated their dislikes publicly for one another and it was entertaining seeing Robinson trying to get into Watson's head. The Bulls continued to build on their lead while the Nets looked for a savior with their best players on the floor. Joakim Noah may be injured but his presence was clearly felt down low. His footwork matched Lopez and it often caused the the Nets to shoot terrible shots late in the shot clock. Joe Johnson was clearly hurting and he struggled on both ends of the floor but he did hit a couple shots in the quarter and looked a lot more active.The Nets were down 10 but Gerald Wallace hit a big three to end the half.

The third quarter opened up with Luol Deng and the Nets struggling for shot attempts let alone good ones. Part of it was the offense  liability of Evans. Boozer left Evans wide open every time and clogged the paint. Deron Williams scored a quick 5 points to cut the lead to 11 but Boozer scored right after. The third quarter was dominated by Luol Deng who scored 12 points .

MarShon Brooks was inserted into the game and he did some nice things. Fast break points were created and the threat of offense eased the pressure of off  everyone else. Blatche was also an help too but Lopez scored most of the points in the fourth. They were able to cut the lead to seven with around two minutes left. Time was limited for the Nets and they managed to get within  3 with fourteen seconds left. The game was left into Watson's hands with a chance for overtime but he missed badly.  P.J. Carlesimo should  use Brooks and Blatche with the starters more often. The run was started when they entered the game and the Chicago Bulls had to actually guard five players. Lopez finished with 22 and 7 blocks, while Boozer finished with 22 and 16 rebounds. The Bulls lead the series 2 games to one.

Box Score

Final Score: 79-76 Bulls
Most Disappointing Stat of The Game: Nets gave up a 12 point Lead.
Most Promising Stat of The Game: 7 Blocks for Lopez
Scariest Moment of The Game: 14 to 0 Bulls run in the first quarter.
Best Moment of The Game: Luol Deng put a move on Wallace.


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