The Brooklyn Nets cruised to victory against the Boston Celtics in what was expected to be a close matchup. It was so bad that Brooklyn didn’t even allow Boston a chance to capture a lead. Nets head coach Steve Nash gave LaMarcus Aldridge (17 PTS, 9 REBS) the nod to start his first game of the season and Aldridge delivered another solid performance.
Offensively, the Nets were a force to be reckoned with because of the spacing and post presence the veteran provided. It unlocked a flawless start to the game for the team and in particular, DeAndre Bembry (9 PTS, 10 REBS) gave the team a boost with his hustle and activity on the boards in the early stages.
Defensively, Nash had the perfect game plan to hold the Celtics to 37% shooting from the field and 23% accuracy from deep. This complemented Patty Mills’ (23 PTS, 7 3PM) outburst along with Kevin Durant (21 PTS, 8 ASTS) and James Harden’s (20 PTS, 11 ASTS, 7 REBS) orchestration on the other end really well.
It was a dominate showing from Brooklyn for all 48 minutes and they were rewarded with a lead that was as big as 29. And of course, a convincing victory, winning by 19 points on the road in TD Garden.
Durant made history in the contest as well passing Allen Iverson (24,369 PTS) for #25 on the all-time scoring list. It’s only a matter of time until the Nets star catches Ray Allen (24,505 PTS) at #24.
The Nets will be in action again on Saturday to take on the streaking Phoenix Suns, who have won 14 games in a row, at Barclays Center.
Kevin Durant: A
Kevin Durant (21 PTS, 8 ASTS) put up an efficient outing by shooting it at 50% from the field. His precision passing the ball was almost spot on too on his way to eight assists. As for his defense, his awareness continues to evolve. Still, Durant can’t be going 0-of-4 from downtown.
James Harden: A
It’s surprising that James Harden (20 PTS, 11 ASTS) got all of his field goals from three. It didn’t matter though because his facilitation was perfect this game. As of late, Harden has had a different approach going into games in regards to his assertiveness and it’s getting him to the free-throw line (8-9 FT). It was on fast breaks where the Nets guard was seen drawing some of those shooting fouls. It was frustrating and putting pressure on Boston’s defense all game.
Not only did they have to worry about who the maestro would kick it to in transition, but they also had to worry about one of the game’s best scorers coming downhill. In the end, Harden can’t be going 4-of-13 from the field. He should aim for 40% or more.
Patty Mills: A+
Patty Mills (23 PTS, 7 3PM) is taking his new sharpshooting role to heart and it is only benefitting the team. An impressive 7-of-10 showcase from three and 8-of-12 accuracy from the field gave Kevin Durant, James Harden and LaMarcus Aldridge the much needed space to operate the offense.
LaMarcus Aldridge: A
LaMarcus Aldridge (17 PTS, 9 REBS) was probably too excited to get back in the starting lineup. You can’t blame him though, it’s been a long time coming. The veteran missed all of his four field goals in the first period, but as the game resumed, he missed only one shot on his way to 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting.
DeAndre Bembry: A
DeAndre Bembry’s (9 PTS. 10 REBS) movement off the ball worked wonders for Brooklyn. Bembry’s activity on the glass was unmatched too and he somehow led all players in rebounds by the final buzzer.
Although he went 4-of-5 from the field, he should have put up at least one three. It doesn’t matter if it goes in, it only matters that he’s improving on that aspect of his game.
Cam Thomas: A-
Cam Thomas (13 PTS, 3 REBS) notched his second double-digit scoring game of the season. He was relentless getting to the hole in his 25 minutes and he was rewarded with six free throws.
Though, spamming the three ball should be avoided at all costs. Thomas went 0-of-6 from deep. Of course he’s an elite scorer, but at least stop after four attempts.
