Joe Johnson goes off in third quarter; Nets blow out 76ers 130-94

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images

The Nets took a disappointing loss on Friday to the Detroit Pistons, a game in which they came short of coming back from being down 21 points. With the Philadelphia 76ers coming to Brooklyn, the Nets had a chance to respond with a strong effort against the NBA's worst defense, and took advantage of that with a 130-94 win.

The Nets took advantage of the 76ers' last place defense in the first quarter. Led by the hot three point shooting, the Nets instantly pulled ahead of Philly, starting the game on a 15-5 run. With seemingly everything falling, Brooklyn completely shredded the 76ers' defenders, outscoring them 32-22 in the first. Not only was the Nets' offense impressive in the quarter, the defensive effort was there and they were playing high-energy basketball, allowing them to come out firing early.

Brooklyn's offense didn't slow down much in the second quarter. Shots continued to fall for the Nets, and they finished the half shooting 51.3% from the field and 47.1% from three. The Nets' starters shot a combined 8/15 from the three point line, led by Deron Williams' 3/4 shooting from behind the line. Brooklyn's defense took a bit of a hit compared to the first quarter, but that was based on a quick 8-0 run from Philadelphia. The Nets led by 18 at one point, but that run by Philly cut it to a 10 point lead at halftime. The Nets finished the half leading 58-48, potentially their best half of the season.

It wasn't your typical Nets third quarter tonight, as the quarter began with Kevin Garnett showing his defensive mind, causing a jump ball on the 76ers' first possession. The Nets started the quarter on a 9-0 run, and the energy level was at a level we may not have seen before this season. The quarter was all about Joe Johnson, as he continued hitting three's. He put up 29 points in the third quarter alone, and was just an unstoppable force. His eight three pointers in the quarter tied Michael Redd for the most threes made in a single quarter, and he also set a career high with 10 in the game. The Nets had the best third quarter of the season thanks to Johnson, outscoring Philly 42-25. This was easily the best three quarters the Nets have played in a long time, as they went into the fourth leading 100-73.

With the Nets absolutely demolishing the 76ers, the starters sat for the remainder of the game, but the bench continued the high-energy play. It was officially a blowout when Tornike Shengelia checked in with 6 minutes left to play. With Joe Johnson and the rest of the starters done for the night, Paul Pierce decided to take his turn at draining threes. It wasn't only Pierce and Johnson, though, as the Nets set a new franchise record with 21 made three pointers in the game, and Shaun Livingston added one as well because why not? The Nets outscored the 76ers 30-21 in the quarter.

There's no doubt in any non-brain dead person's mind that Joe Johnson was tonight's player of the game with 37 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block. Deron Williams added 13 points and 13 assists. In his first career start, Mirza Teletovic put up 11 points on 4/8 shooting and also grabbed five rebounds. Andray Blatche had his third straight game of 20+ points as he put up 20 and grabbed five rebounds off the bench. Paul Pierce added 14 points, shooting 3/5 from the three point line.

Final Score: 130-94 NETS
Most Disappointing Stat of The Game: NO SUCH THING.
Promising Stat of The Game: NETS FRANCHISE RECORD 21 THREE POINTERS.
Scariest Moment of the Game: NOTHING
Best Moment of The Game: JOE JOHNSON'S 29 POINT OUTBURST IN THE THIRD QUARTER ALONE!!

Follow @NetsTakeOver