Brooklyn Nets vs. New Orleans Pelicans 01-20-17 ScoreFinally! The Brooklyn Nets have done it! They have finally ended that measly 11 game losing streak to get their first win of 2017. Brooklyn defeated the Pelicans with ease, 143-114. What is more, the Nets snapped a 14 game road losing streak as well. What a day!
In a game where both Sean Kilpatrick and Trevor Booker did not play, Brooklyn did a great job. Not only did those two not play Joe Harris had to leave the game with an ankle injury and played only 13 minutes. Down three players, one of which is a key scorer and the other is a key rebounder, Brooklyn decimated the Pelicans.
The leading scorers in this game were Brook Lopez and Bojan Bogdanovic with 23 points a piece. Lopez did his work on 8-15 shooting and 6-6 from the free-throw line. Bogie went 6-13 and went 9-9 from the charity stripe. Players went to the basket and drew fouls, allowing for some easy free points.
It is fair to say the Brooklyn was on fire last night. Brooklyn, overall, shot 57.8% from the field an shot an astounding 50% (15-30) form long range. Speaking of on fire, Caris LeVert was perfect on the night. LeVert shot 6-6, 3-3 from long range, as well as 2-2 from the free-throw line.
This is the kind of game Brooklyn needed to pump up the energy and get them some confidence. There are rumors Jeremy Lin could be back as early as Monday, so, if they can build on this momentum, they could be a dangerous team when he returns.
Grading the Players
Caris LeVert, Brook Lopez, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson all get A’s. LeVert, as I mentioned, was perfect from the field and the free-throw line. On top of his perfect night, he scored 17 points with five rebounds, six assists, a steal, and a blocked shot. The rookie is really coming together nicely and it is getting all Brooklyn fans anxious for what he will become.
Brook Lopez and Bojan Bogdanovic were the leading scorers with 23 points a piece last night. Lopez was a monster and also brought down eight rebounds, had three assists, and three blocked shots. These numbers are coming against Anthony Davis, nonetheless. Bogie, on top of his 23, had six rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block himself. Bogie’s 9-9 form the free-throw line is what Brooklyn needs; someone to drive to the basket.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has been an animal since rumors regarding his trade came about. RHJ scored 12 points on 4-6 shooting and 4-5 from the free-throw line. After an abysmal start to the year from in the paint, RHJ has kicked it up a notch and has started to finish around the basket and draw fouls. RHJ has also become a solid rebounder. Last night, RHJ brought down seven rebounds. His defense showed too as he tallied up a steal as well.
I feel like I could give positive grades to everybody. Even Luis Scola had a pretty darn good game. This was one of the better performances in recent years from this Nets team. Hopefully they can build upon it.
Brooklyn will now have to travel to Charlotte to take on the Hornets for the back end of their back-to-back. Brooklyn has not won back-to-back games all year long so hopefully this is the time the streak is broken. The Pelicans, meanwhile, will await the Cleveland Cavaliers for a battle on Monday night in New Orleans.