Jack, Lopez Carry Nets to Third Straight Win

The Nets have been playing some of their best basketball the last four games, and looked to extend their winning streak to three against the struggling New York Knicks in Brooklyn. After previously blowing out the Toronto Raptors on the road, the Nets cut this one close against a Knicks team that has yet to find an identity as a team.

The first quarter was all Brooklyn from the start. The Knicks got a few punches in, but the Nets were just dominant. They shot 62 percent from the field on their way to a 29-21 lead headed into the second. It was a balanced scoring effort in the quarter for the Nets, as each of the seven players that touched the court for Brooklyn put points on the scoreboard. 

The Nets cooled off a bit in the second, but not much. They finished the first half shooting 57 percent while the Knicks shot just 40 percent. After taking a 17 point lead, the Nets allowed the Knicks to climb their way back into it a bit with Brooklyn heading to the locker room with a 53-45 lead. Kevin Garnett had potentially his best half since coming to Brooklyn, putting up 10 points, grabbing four rebounds, and blocking three shots. Two of those blocks came within seconds of each other, both on Carmelo Anthony. 

The Knicks proceeded to push in the third quarter, and they were finally able to complete the comeback against the Nets. The took their first lead of the game, and they held the 70-68 lead going into the fourth quarter. Jose Calderon hit three three pointers in the quarter to carry the Knicks to a successful comeback. The play of Brook Lopez kept the Nets from falling behind further, as he entered the fourth quarter with 20 points and six rebounds.

It was a little too close for comfort for the Nets in the fourth quarter. They were able to get on a few runs, but the Knicks kept on answering with runs of their own. It went down to the wire, but once again it was Jarrett Jack who stepped up to the plate and put the nail in the coffin, hitting a three pointer that put the Nets up by four with 13 seconds left.

Brook Lopez and Jarrett Jack seem to be the go-to guys lately for the Nets. Lopez finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks off the bench. Jack put up 20 points of his own and also dished out eight assists. Joe Johnson finished with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds. 

The Nets were able to keep Carmelo Anthony in check tonight, as he finished with 21 points, but shot just 6/23 from the field for the Knicks.

Final Score: 92-88, Nets

Most Disappointing Stat of the Game: Nets forcing just five Knicks turnovers.
Promising Stat of the Game: 10 total blocked shots for the Nets.

Scariest Moment of the Game: Knicks taking the lead in the third quarter.
Best Moment of the Game: Kevin Garnett with two straight blocks on Carmelo Anthony.

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