Paul Pierce shines, but Nets fall to Wizards 113-107

Photo credit: Jim McIsaac 

With the Nets being the second oldest team in the NBA, they have had their fair share of struggles against teams that play at a fast pace. They were up for a big test tonight, as they took on John Wall and the Washington Wizards for the second time this season. Coming off their best game against the 76ers, the Nets stuck with the Wizards, but were unable to pull out a win as they fell to Washington 113-107.

The Nets played a fantastic first quarter on the offensive end. The scoring carried over from the win against the Sixers, but the defense was less than spectacular. Washington outscored the Nets 30-28 in the first quarter, but they led by 11 before the Nets went on a late 14-5 run to cut the lead down to two. John Wall and Bradley Beal put up 8 points a piece in the quarter, leading the Wizards to an early lead.

The first half for the Nets was dominated by Brook Lopez, who had 18 points at the half, and Paul Pierce who had 13 first half points coming off the bench. Pierce seems to have found his stroke of late, and he continued to show that in the first half. The second quarter was much like the first, in that the Nets still were unable to defend the three point line. The Wizards shot 9/12 in the first half from three point territory, and the Nets just had no answer for the hot shooting.

Had the Nets' offense not been clicking, this would have been a blow out in the first quarter. The offense was able to respond to the Wizards' offense, making it just a 59-53 lead at halftime. The Nets shot an impressive 55.6% from the field in the half while Washington shot just 43.8%. The only the problem for the Nets was the lack of perimeter defense, as Washington shot 75% from the three point line.

The third quarter was nothing but the Nets and Wizards trading baskets. With neither team playing spectacular defense, Washington outscored the Nets 26-24 in the fourth. Brook Lopez committed his fourth personal foul with 10 minutes left to play in the third, leaving the Nets without a big body to throw the ball to down low. The Wizards grabbed offensive rebounds on what seemed like every missed shot. The same could not be said for the Nets. The offensive glass was being completely ignored, and they had a bunch of one-and-done possessions.

The Nets gave fans hope for a comeback in the fourth, but nothing came from it. Paul Pierce tried to do all he could to bring the Nets back, but the lack of rebounding and defense made that an impossible feat. When it came down to it, big free throws were missed by Pierce and Garnett which led to baskets by the Wizards. It was a disappointing effort overall by Brooklyn. When you can't grab a rebound, you don't deserve a win.

Paul Pierce led the Nets with 27 points on 10/12 shooting and also grabbed six rebounds. Deron Williams finished with a double-double of 15 points and 13 assists. Brook Lopez added 22 points, but grabbed just five rebounds. Joe Johnson, following an insane performance on Monday, added 20 points and seven rebounds.

Final Score: 113-107 Wizards
Most Disappointing Stat of The Game: 19 offensive rebounds for Washington.
Promising Stat of The Game: Paul Pierce 27 points on 10/12 shooting.
Scariest Moment of the Game: The first three quarters.
Best Moment of The Game: Paul Pierce backwards circus layup
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