Joe Johnson buzzer beater gives Nets the win in overtime

Coming off a blowout loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, the Nets traveled to Phoenix to take on the Suns. Brooklyn, in search of their first road win on the season, was looking to snap a three game losing streak. Phoenix took the Nets to overtime, but the game was left in the hands of Joe Johnson, who proved that he is still one of the most clutch performers in the league.

The Nets got exposed again in the first quarter as Phoenix's younger, quicker team got out ahead of them on the break. Brooklyn's turnovers were turned into fast break points and the Suns were able to pull ahead 29-18 after the first quarter. The only bright spot for the Nets in the first was Paul Pierce, who had 9 points in the quarter.

Deron Williams went down with a sprained ankle in the first and did not return. That gave Livingston the opportunity to do his thing as the Nets main point guard. He put up 12 points in the first half and led the Nets in an outstanding second quarter in which they outscored the Suns 28-21, cutting a 14 point Suns lead to a four point Suns lead at halftime.

The third quarter was a display of Nets basketball that fans have been waiting for since the win against the Miami Heat on November 1st. Brooklyn got off to a quick 30-4 extended run and held Phoenix scoreless through the first seven minutes of the third quarter. They would take a 13 point lead at one point, but Phoenix woke up and cut the Nets lead down to six at the end of the third. The Nets outscored the Suns 27-17 in the quarter.

The fourth quarter was the definition of a nail-biter. Phoenix was firing on all cylinders from the three point line, but the Nets had the ability to stick with them. With 29.4 seconds left, Joe Johnson hit a game-tying floater. After a Goran Dragic miss, Paul Pierce was hacked with a second left on the clock, but the referees missed a blatant call, forcing the game to go to overtime.

Overtime, just like the fourth quarter, was a grind-it-out effort. The Nets defeated the Suns all thanks to Mr. Joe Johnson. It was deja vu of last season, as Joe Johnson showed that he is still clutch.

Brook Lopez put on an outstanding performance, putting up 27 points and grabbing 7 rebounds along with 3 blocked shots. Shaun Livingston put up 18 points and dished out 6 assists. Paul Pierce added 14 points. Kevin Garnett produced on the glass, grabbing 14 rebounds but only scoring 4 points.

Final Score: 100-98 Nets OT
Most Disappointing Stat of The Game: Nets 2/12 from three
Promising Stat of The Game: Shaun Livingston 18 points on 7/10 shooting
Scariest Moment of The Game: Deron Williams leaving the game in the first with sprained ankle. 
Best Moment of The Game: Joe Johnson game winner in overtime

VIDEO





Follow @NetsTakeOver