Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash may have wanted to downplay the team’s game against the Chicago Bulls, but the Nets played as if they had something to prove.
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Going into the game in Chicago, the Nets were only 0-8 behind this season’s first-place competitor. Of the games against ‘top level competitors’, they lost six of the eight games by double digits, and one of the losses was by singles (Phoenix), they had lost up to 22 games before making a late game when the game was essentially over.
Losses included two against Chicago and two against the defending champions the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Nets have allowed 116.4 points per game in those games.
Before Wednesday night’s game against Chicago, Nash said he doesn’t see the game as a game of statement, and added that it would be a “huge test” for his side.
“They want a good win against Chicago because we’ve lost to them twice,” Nash said, “I don’t think we’re thinking about how we’re going to go up against all the elite teams. So [Wednesday] It’s a great opportunity to play against an elite team, play well, grow, try to win, but most importantly keep improving. ”
With Kyrie Irving qualifying when the game was played in Chicago, it marked the second time this season that Brooklyn has all three superstars compete, and only the 16th since they joined. join the army. However, the Nets are currently 13-3 in those games.
James Harden is available after missing a game due to a dislocated left knee, and so is Kyrie Irving after a left ankle sprain brought his condition into question.
In particular, Harden found his spirit quite quickly after he missed a game. He finished with 25 points, 16 assists (a new season high) and seven rebounds. Brooklyn’s 132 points are also a new high for the season.
Brooklyn floundered 118-95 in their Nov. 8 trip to United Center, a game they took the lead into the fourth half, only to explode, overtaken by 42- 17 in the last round. On Wednesday, it was a different story.
At one stage, the game was drawing at 71, but Brooklyn went on to overtake the Bulls 67-41 for an easy win.
“We played with purpose,” Nash said after the game. “There were no bends or breaks for our boys tonight, and that’s what Chicago can feel.”
Durant, who added 29 points on his own, said the team had Not looking to make a statement tonight.
“Not trying not to make a statement with the league,” he said. “Who cares what they think? We know what we bring and it’s all about us. I’m sure everyone watched that game tonight.”
Brooklyn improves to a league-best 15-4 record on the road this season.
The Nets have home games against the Thunder and Pelicans next, before a game against the Cavaliers in Cleveland next Monday.
