Jarrett Jack’s defensive moves with nearly 30 seconds left in regulation panicked Atlanta’s Schroder

The Brooklyn Nets have been off to a rough start for the 2015-15 NBA Season. However, last night offered a glimpse of hope. The Nets toughed it out and survived a nail-biting, 90-88 win over the Atlanta Hawks, one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. And they did it all on the defensive end of the court when it counted the most.

After Jarrett Jack drained a jumper, tying the game at 88-all with 33.3 seconds until the end of regulation, Jack nearly forced a turnover from Hawks, Dennis Schroder on the ensuing possession. With the Hawks shot-clock expiring, Jack's defense compelled Schroder to dribble into no man's land, using the baseline as an extra defender. A panicking Schroder almost lost the ball and had to resort to a rushed floater, which was rebounded by Paul Millsap, who was blocked by Brook Lopez, on his attempt to tie the game.

The Nets defense, when it was needed the most, got a stop, giving the team an opportunity to win the game, which was executed by Thaddeus Young, who sank two free-throws after being fouled on the fastbreak. And that particular sequence involving Schroder mirrored the entire game. Atlanta's, Spurs-like makeup of a team scored 10-less points than they are used to, averaging 101.6 points per game, the 11th best in the league, according to ESPN.com.

Mike Budenholzer's team committed 20 turnovers, the most they've committed this year in a single game.

"I give Brooklyn credit," said Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer. "They played well. They forced the turnovers. We didn't take care of the ball. So we're going to have to clean that up."

The win, which improved the Nets record to (2-9), exhibited the solution to their season, which has been disastrous to say the least and it all derives from the defensive side of the ball.

As a team, the Nets racked up 14 steals and seven blocks which are the type of production that will help the Nets remain in games against teams with superior talent. Although their defense was the star of the game, five players scored in double figures, led by Lopez's double-double, 24-10. Shane Larkin, in his first season with the Nets, had another great game, posting 14 points and Joe Johnson nearly reached a triple-double in 13 points, 9 assists, and seven rebounds.

Nets Loss: It doesn’t help that Joe Johnson scored one point less than Jarrett Jack

In this 2015-16 NBA season, the Brooklyn Nets haven't gotten off to the start they envisioned. In three games, the Nets are winless, losing to the likes of the Chicago Bulls, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Memphis Grizzlies, a tough start for any NBA team. Fortunately for the Nets, the Milwaukee Bucks, their opponent on Monday night were winless as well but it didn't matter.

The Nets offensive execution crumbled in the fourth quarter and the Bucks capitalized on their mistakes, pulling out a 103-96 win, their first of the season. The Nets dropped their 4th straight (0-4) and are still looking for answers. Despite an ugly first half on both sides of the ball, the Nets improved drastically in the 3rd, especially on the defensive side of the ball. An improved effort helped the Nets force seven turnovers while closing in on the Bucks who held a 10-point lead after Jerryd Bayless drained a three with 5:36 mins to go, Bucks up 74-64.

A string of baskets by Thaddeus Young, Joe Johnson, and Markel Brown over the next three minutes allowed the Nets to close the gap towards the end of the third, highlighted by off-season acquisition, Andrea Bargnani, who converted a three-point play, tying the game at 80 all as time expired.

With the game tied going into the 4th, a victory was up for grabs and the Nets had plenty of chances to earn their first win of the year and gain the confidence that they are sorely lacking currently. In the 4th where the money plays are made that secure wins, the Nets came up empty and while the defense continued their strong second half, the offense struggled to match its counterpart.

After former New York Knicks guard, Shane Larkin hit a floater which gave the Nets their first lead since the 2nd quarter, 96-94 with 2:45 left in the 4th, Johnson and Jarrett Jack would combine to miss the Nets last four field goal attempts. In other words, Brook Lopez was severely missed. The 7-footer who led the Nets in points (18) picked up his 5th foul with 4:44 remaining in the final quarter, prompting Hollins to make a tough decision in removing him from the game.

“When Brook got his fifth foul we had to take him out,” Nets head coach Lionel Hollins said. “I didn’t want to put (Andrea) Bargnani on Monroe, and I came with T-Rob (Thomas Robinson), and we lost a little of the offensive dynamic that we had, but I saw a good game.”

Without Brook, the Nets lost arguably their best player and go-to-guy capable of winning a game for them which spelled the Nets doom. Without Brook, newly signed Greg Monroe of the Bucks scored the tying points (96-96) on a turnaround jump-shot with 2:24 left, which set up a late Bucks’ run in the final minute that would propel them to victory.

“I was just trying to get it inside,” Monroe said regarding the shot. “I had a little mishap with the ball, but I was just trying to be aggressive and make big shots for my team.”

Monroe finished with a double-double, 23 and 13, Giannis Antetokounmpo “The Greek Freak” finished with 21 and eight and Jerryd Bayless, starting in place of O.J. Mayo recorded a team-high 26 points.

As for the Nets, Johnson logged in 14 and 6 assists, while Young, Jack, and Bojan Bogdanovic chipped in 13, 15 and 14 points respectively. It’s quite obvious that if Lopez is not on the floor in critical moments of the game or just in general, the Nets will lose their way. He is their best chance of winning and tonight after he occupied the bench following his fifth foul, the offense looked lethargic and lacked life and excitement.

There was a lot of standing around with no plan in sight and it doesn’t help that Johnson scored one point less than Jack. Behind Brook, Johnson is one of the Nets most important players and his production is essential to the Nets enjoying any type of success this season. Although the Bucks are still without their 2014 2nd overall pick Jabari Parker, Monroe and co. were able to get the job done.

“We got a good win for sure, but the way we won, it kind of showed a little toughness from the team,” said Monroe post-game. Monroe continued: “Especially coming into this game losing the first three, but going through adversity in this game and fighting through it, it was definitely a good win for us.”

The Nets are waiting to utter such words. How they respond to this 0-4 start will illustrate the rest of this November and it starts tomorrow at the Atlanta Hawks, another tough game. The Nets can’t wait for the second half to flip the switch. A full 48 mins of inspired ball is the only way the Nets can reverse their early troubles into fortunes and it all depends on the Nets big four. Lopez, Jack, Young and Johnson all have to bring their A-game.

It might not seem like it now, but the four guys mentioned above all have what it takes to lead this Nets team collectively and feed off of each other. If not, the Nets will be facing 0-5 on Wednesday night.

At the start of the 2015-16 NBA season, the Brooklyn Nets are a team of questions

In Lionel Hollins’ first year as the Brooklyn Nets Head Coach, the team handled their business. Despite winning only 38 games, it was enough for the Nets to slip into the playoffs, but that says more about the state of the Eastern Conference than it does about Lionel’s squad. Deron Williams was consistently in-and-out of the lineup throughout the entire season due to injuries. Brook Lopez played well towards the end and Thaddeus Young was added to the mix-mid-season-to propel the Nets into the playoffs and it worked.

For this upcoming season, the Nets won’t have to worry about D-Wills health as the $100 million-dollar-man left for the Dallas Mavericks, his hometown. Instead, Jarrett Jack will most likely obtain the starting job duties, which is a job he knows all too well. Other than starting for the Portland Trailblazers, Indiana Pacers, and Toronto Raptors during his 10-year career, Jack, started 27 games for the Nets last season, averaging 15.9 points and 6.5 assists. The challenge and question for Jack are, can he produce or contribute more over the course of 82 games?

After Jack, Donald Sloan, and Shane Larkin will also compete for the starting job. At Nets media day last month, Hollins did state that there will be an open competition for the starting PG position so there is hope for Larkin and Sloan, even if Jack is the favorite. Sloan, a four-year NBA veteran is a steady point guard who can score off the bench and Larkin is looking to redeem himself after a disappointing season with the New York Knicks last year. Larkin struggled with the “Triangle Offense,” implemented by Knicks president, Phil Jackson and head coach, Derek Fisher and in Brooklyn, believes he will be better, playing in a pick-and-roll system.

Brooklyn Nets guard Shane Larkin

“I’m more of a pick-and-roll guy, up and down,” Larkin told ESPN. “And that’s the thing they told me they wanted me to come in and do. For them to tell me they wanted me to come in push the tempo, bring some energy to the team that was everything I wanted to hear.”

With familiarity and less pressure to conform to the triangle, Larkin should be a boost off the Nets bench, giving them a PG who can lead the break and use his speed to get to the cup and make plays for others.

As for the rest of the starting lineup, Joe Johnson is still there and will be asked to do what he’s been doing forever, which is score. Thaddeus Young re-signed with the Nets following the success he had with the team last season and Brook Lopez will now be the face of the franchise in Deron’s departure. With the addition of Young, the Nets went 17-13 in their remaining 30 games, giving the Nets another weapon while forming a formidable frontcourt with Lopez. In Young, the Nets have a versatile forward who can guard one through four and gives the Nets the opportunity to play small ball due to his versatility. While Young’s spot seems to be solidified as a starter, Hollins has a decision to make at the shooting guard position. I can see Johnson being moved to the three, but at the two, Hollins will have to choose from either Bojan Bogdanovic or Markel Brown.

While Bojan profiles as more of a shooter and scorer, Brown is an athletic perimeter defender who can get to rim, but he needs to improve his outside shooting. What could be a deciding factor is the fact that Bojan was inconsistent last season with his scoring. Bojan is the same player that would score 18 points on 7-12 shooting in a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers in March, and two days later, score only two points in a win against the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s what exactly might land Bojan on the bench and lift Brown into the starting lineup. Brown has a motor and continues to grow on the offensive end, and he is only 23 years-old. For the reserves, there are plenty of new faces for Hollins to choose from. Thomas Robinson, the fifth overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, will try to revive his career in Brooklyn. This is Robinson’s fifth team in three years. When healthy, Andrea Bargnani is a stretch four who can play center and drain three’s, bringing big men out of the paint for the guards. Wayne Ellington is another long-distance threat and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Chris McCullough represent the Nets 2015 NBA draft selections.

Unfortunately, McCullough will sit out the majority of the season, potentially the entire year due to a torn ACL. The Bronx native suffered the ACL injury last year at Syracuse University.
“Basically, this is a ‘redshirt year’ and secondly, somebody said it, he’s like our lottery pick for next year and I agree with that,” Hollins said at Nets Media day last month. “He’s a guy that is definitely part of the future, so hopefully, we can get him back early so he can get a lot of work in and then go through the summer and Summer League.”

As for Rondae, the former Arizona Wildcat is ready. Rondae is an athletic wing who I believe will prove to be very useful for the Nets. At 6’7 with a 7’2 wingspan, Rondae has a chance to be a Hollins favorite with his defensive skills on the perimeter along with an offensive game that highlights finishing at the rim with authority. Rondae won’t be mistaken for Reggie Miller anytime soon but according to Roderick Boone of Newsday, the rookie forward has been working on his lefty jumper after practice, hoisting up to 400 shots.

“There's things you have to do and you've got to put this work into get what you want out of basketball,” Hollis-Jefferson told Newsday. “So I feel like me coming in here and shooting is something I must do, I have to do, to be where I want to be.”

And there’s your 2015-16 Brooklyn Nets.

On paper, it’s a solid group that won’t have to deal with the Deron clouds. It’s a group that has some youth, and it is a group that has NBA talent. With age being a strength of this Nets team, there is an opportunity to run. Larkin, Sloan, Rondae and Brown will spearhead that attack for top plays on ESPN, hoping to improve a team that was among the worst in the league last season in fast-break points with only nine points a game. Despite the improvements that the Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers and even dare I say the New York Knicks have made, there is an opportunity for the Nets to qualify for the 2016 playoffs, but a couple of things have to go right.

Jack has to have an All-Star caliber year and in the 15 and six he averaged as a starter last year for the Nets, 18 and seven should do the trick. Johnson has to continue to be a consistent source for points, especially in critical situations and Lopez has to dominate in the low-post like he did in stretches last season. And of course, health is key. Say what you want about Deron, but the former cornerstone of the franchise gave the Nets a public punching bag and someone to point the finger at when things went sour. There is no punching bag this year; only mirrors to look into. And if the Nets are competing for the lottery this season, they will only have themselves to blame.

Prediction: 37-45, Miss the Playoffs, 9th seed

On Media Day 2015, the Brooklyn Nets are team of uncertainty

With their first preseason game scheduled next Monday at home against Fenerbahce Ulker of the Turkish Basketball League, the Brooklyn Nets held their 2015 Media Day yesterday morning at their practice facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This day catered to the media and the Nets organization to bring the world up to speed on how they feel going into their 2015-16 NBA campaign. If I could use one word to describe the Nets state of mind, it’s uncertainty. There are no expectations and there are no guarantees.

When I asked Brooklyn Nets head coach Lionel Hollins how he feels about Jack starting, he also replied with a question.

“Who said Jarrett Jack was starting?

I responded, “I read that in the paper that those core guys are going to have the first dibs at training camp and then as we go forward, there will be one or two guys that are pretty much set in stone and then after that everyone has to earn the right.”

Despite promoting an open competition for the lead guard, with Donald Sloan, Ryan Boatright, and Shane Larkin, as the other candidates, Hollins has confidence in Jack due to what he accomplished last year. Jack averaged 12 points, three rebounds, and nearly five assists during the 2014-15 Season. Jack provided steady play for the Nets off-the-bench and as a starter on occasion. The 10-year veteran should be able to beat out his contemporaries, but Hollins wants to see it play out in training camp.

Hollins is also unsure of what the strength of the team will be this year, hinting to depth as a possible answer and wants to see who will solidify themselves as the team’s best wing defender. Markel Brown, the Nets second round pick last year had some great moments as a perimeter defender and Dahntay Jones, whom the Nets signed earlier this month, was brought in for that exact reason. The Nets first-round-pick this year, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has a reputation as a strong defender as well, giving Hollins plenty of options for, as he put it, “controlling” the other team’s best player.

Along with Jack, Brook Lopez, Thaddeus Young and Joe Johnson represent the other key returners for the Nets, and all feel that they need to step up in different areas on-and-off the court. Johnson, a veteran, talked about being a bit more vocal which will be needed on a particularly young roster and doing whatever Hollins wants him to do for the team to be successful.

Photo left to right: Brooklyn Nets team members: Brook Lopez (center); Joe Johnson (shooting guard); and Thaddeus Young (forward)

“Whatever position he wants me to play I’ll play it,” Johnson said. “I don’t consider myself as a two, three, four, I’m just a basketball player that can play multiple decisions.”

Heading into his 15th season, Johnson believes that he still has more years left in the association and credits working on his body to get through the 82-game stretch.

“Throughout this grueling season, if you’re not lifting weights and doing a lot of lower body stuff, that’s how you develop tendinitis,” Johnson added.

Young, who helped the Nets secure a playoff spot last year, talked about family being one of the main reasons for his return.

“TJ starts school this year, so that was one of the biggest things on my mind, was just to have them settled and not continue to move them around,” Young said.

For humor, Young poked fun at Brooklyn traffic saying that it is “Brutal” and regarding basketball, Young talked about how he gelled playing alongside Brook Lopez. According to Young, he and Lopez have known each other since the 8th grade and that relationship translated into wins during the Nets 2015 playoff push.

As for Lopez, becoming a complete player is his main focus. Lopez is more known for his scoring in the low-post, more than anything else and in moving forward, Lopez plans to move the ball, more than usual, to improve on the 1.3 assists he recorded in 2014-15. Chris McCullough, the Nets first-round pick this year who is recovering from an ACL injury, expects to play sometime, later this year but Hollins thinks otherwise.

“Basically, this is a ‘redshirt year’ and secondly, somebody said it, he’s like our lottery pick for next year and I agree with that,” Hollins said. “He’s a guy that is definitely part of the future, so hopefully, we can get him back early so he can get a lot of work in and then go through the summer and Summer League.”

The Nets also added former New York Knicks players, Andrea Bargnani to stretch the floor and Larkin, who Hollins likes because of his speed. Although the Nets had a lot of things to talk about regarding this upcoming year, you had to figure that a Deron quote was due and Johnson shed light on his former backcourt mate.

“I don’t know if he wanted the buyout or if they just bought him out, but if he wanted the buyout, I don’t think it was that bad [here]. That’s just me.”

There are a lot of questions surrounding Hollins and Co. for this upcoming season and with Nets owner, Mikhail Prokhorov slated to attend training camp, the Nets will have to answer them in a timely manner, which will hopefully amount to plenty of wins.

Joe Johnson rumored to be headed to Cleveland Cavaliers

The What’s The 411Sports panel is talking about the Brooklyn Nets free agency deals.

The Brooklyn Nets have come to terms with free-agents, Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young, to keep them in Brooklyn a little longer after their impressive surge towards the end of last season. The Nets also acquire Shane Larkin and Thomas Robinson. Who is leaving the Nets next? At the time of this taping, it is rumored that Joe Johnson could be traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Disastrous 3rd Quarter Dooms Nets, Playoff Upset Hopes Dashed with 4-2 Series Loss

Unfortunately for the Brooklyn Nets, their Game 7 has come a game early.

Down 3-2 in their 1st-round series against the Atlanta Hawks in this year’s NBA Playoffs, the Nets returned home, hosting the Atlanta Hawks for their Game 6, a possible closeout-game for the away team.

Earlier in this series when the Nets backs were against the wall, they delivered. Down 2-0, the Nets tied this series up winning the next two games at home, highlighted by a 35-point outburst from Deron Williams in Game 4.

But the Nets failed to win a pivotal Game 5, on the road and here we are.

The Nets season is on the line and to force a Game 7, the Nets have no choice but to lay it all on the line like a Game 7 and Friday night, they failed to do so.

The Hawks had their way with the Nets all game long en route to a 111-87 win, advancing to the second round to challenge the Washington Wizards, eliminating the Nets from the post-season.

In tonight's contest, Paul Millsap led all scorers for the Hawks with 25 points (6 assists and 9 rebs) accompanied by DeMarre Carroll and Kyle Korver, who found success consistently, both scoring 20 each.

As far as the Nets are concerned, as a team, this game got away from them in the 3rd quarter alone, which sealed their fate early in the second half.

The Hawks scored the first seven points of the 3rd, extending what was a 51-45, six-point half-time lead to a 14-point, 59-45 lead, forcing a Nets timeout, through the first two minutes of the quarter.

Deron Williams would answer with a trey, cutting the deficit to 11, 59-48, with less than nine minutes remaining in the quarter and then the Hawks retaliated with yet another run.

Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams

"When it started happening (Hawks run), I called a time out," Hollins said post-game.

"Then I called another time-out and you could just see they had the wave of momentum that they weren't going to let up."

Kyle Korver and DeMarre Carroll would hit back-to-back three's and Al Horford would sink two consecutive buckets generating a 10-0 run, which ballooned their double-digit lead to 21, 69-48, forcing the second Nets timeout of the quarter in less than three minutes.

And that 21-point lead continued to 26, as the Hawks shot 57.4% from the field in the 3rd alone, shutting out the Nets who struggled to keep up with the no.1 seeded Hawks, shooting 37.5%.

In addition to their shooting woes, the Nets had a hard time taking care of the ball, committing five turnovers which aided the Hawks in scoring quick, easy baskets, contributing to their runs in the 3rd, routing the Nets in the process.

"The thing that's been killing us turnovers," said Joe Johnson. "Each and every game, no matter what game, and especially again tonight, at the start of the third quarter we started off with three or four turnovers and they go on a 12-0 run. We never bounced back from that."

Brooklyn Nets shooting guard, Joe Johnson

The runs, early in the 3rd quarter by the Hawks sucked the life out of the Nets, and created a deficit that the home team was unable to cope with and the pace of the game, without a doubt favored the visiting Hawks.

"We gotta stay being true to who we are and that's playing house basketball," said Carroll post-game.

"That's getting up and down the court, and I think Jeff Teague did a good job of that even though he didn't score tonight."

And they didn't need him to.

Teague distributed the ball like a true floor general, collecting 13 assists, helping three Hawks to score 20+ points, almost four in Horford who finished with 18 points.

The Nets on the other hand, didn't have a 35-point D-Will performance to lean on and as a team, lacked one 20-point scorer which defined their offense tonight.

It wasn't there.

Brook Lopez led the Nets with 19 points, followed by 13 from Williams and 12 by Johnson.

The Nets entered the final quarter down by 26-points, and with an uphill battle ahead of them, waved the white flag within time.

At the 4:40 minute mark in the 4th, Hollins called a timeout subbing in Jerome Jordan, Darius Morris and Earl Clark for Williams, Johnson and Mason Plumlee and you didn't need a basketball analyst to know that this Nets season has come to a close.

Those subs were drowned out by the boos that filled the Barclays Center and to begin the quarter the PA announcer didn't even bother addressing the crowd, a home-game ritual where he asks Brooklyn to stand-up.

It wouldn't have helped.

The Hawks were focused and the Nets couldn't match the level of play necessary to force a Game 7.

"They were the better team and they showed it in the last game here," Hollins said during his post-game press conference which is the painful truth.

Only three teams in NBA history have successfully upset a no.1 team in the NBA playoffs (94 Nuggets, 99 Knicks, 07 Warriors) and like father time, history is undefeated also.

In closing, Hollins reflected on the season expressing his gratitude to the players he's coached and also shared his thoughts on the immediate future.

"We'll have to collect our thoughts and get ready for the summer," Hollins said.

"It is an important summer for our young players. We're going to attend two summer leagues and try to get some of our internal players better, then I'll get with Billy [King] and our front office and we'll talk about other needs."

And those comments capped off a frustrating season leading into what could be an interesting off-season for the home-team, but most importantly there's always next year.

Disastrous 3rd Quarter Dooms Nets, Playoff Upset Hopes Dashed with 4-2 Series Loss

Deron Williams 35 Points led the way

All they needed was one.

All the Brooklyn Nets needed was one win in their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks to generate the confidence they needed going forward to have a realistic shot of winning or just being competitive, after losing the season series 4-0.

And after failing to return home with a win, the Nets answered the call in game three to extend this series, at least for another game.

They defeated the Hawks 91-83 in their 2015 postseason home debut, recapturing the attention of the fans while dispelling the early projections of an opening-round sweep, of course, favoring the Hawks.

I mean they are the no.1 seed in the Eastern Conference and pretty much owned the Nets all season long.

But those fortunes have changed.

The tides have turned, and on Monday night, the Nets enjoyed that good ol' home-cooking for the second straight game behind the performance of an unlikely hero.

After an up-and-down year of injuries and inconsistent play, Deron Williams erupted for a team-high 35 points and helped lead the Nets to a 120-115 win in extra time, tying the series at two apiece.

Unlike any other game this season, as an observer watching how he was able to exploit his match-ups and get to his spots, you actually wanted the ball in Williams’ hands.

He finished the first quarter with 11 points, but I highly doubt that anyone saw what was to come from the Texas native once the second half arrived.

Williams scored 16 points in the 4th quarter alone, connecting on four threes, none bigger than his last points of the quarter, a trey, which put the Nets up, 102-101 with under two minutes to go.

And moments later, Brook Lopez, who feasted down low for 26 points, found the basket for two on a floater, a critical possession, improving the Nets lead to three, 104-101.

Brooklyn Nets center, Brook Lopez

You could almost feel it. The Nets were about to execute the unthinkable and what seemed like a long shot a week ago was becoming a reality, but this is the Nets were talking about, 38-44 at season's end and that's not how this past regular season played out for the home team.

This 2014-15 campaign was a roller coaster ride, and the Nets, staying true to who they really are, took the crowd on yet another twisted turn.

One made free-throw by Jeff Teague, poor defense on Paul Millsap and a missed game-winner by Williams, was all the Hawks would need to tie this game up in the closing minutes of the 4th and send this game into OT.

At least if you were a fan, you got your money's worth in addition to a free "We Are Playoffs", T-shirt.

But in all honestly, Brooklyn was provided with a reason to smile.

In the OT period, the Nets traded baskets with the Hawks and in the end, made the necessary plays to secure the victory.

And this time, they didn't need Williams to rise to the occasion.

Instead, Bojan Bogdanovic and Thaddeus Young took turns saving the Nets season from an improbable 3-1 comeback situation.

Brooklyn Nets shooting guard,  Bojan Bogdanovic

Brooklyn Nets power forward, Thaddeus Young

With the Nets down by a deuce, 113-111 and a little over a min remaining in the 5-minute period, Lopez found Bogdanovic for a corner three, giving the Nets the go-ahead basket, now 114-113, quickly erasing the thoughts of a loss looming which seemed like the likely narrative just 20 seconds ago.

With the Nets down by a deuce, 113-111 and a little over a min remaining in the 5-minute period, Lopez found Bogdanovic for a corner three, giving the Nets the go-ahead basket, now 114-113, quickly erasing the thoughts of a loss looming which seemed like the likely narrative just 20 seconds ago.

"I got a couple open shots today because we are doing a great job on the pick and rolls," said Bogdanovic following the game.

"Brook is doing a great job swinging the ball to shooters."

And then Young, who has been a godsend since his arrival in Brooklyn, scored the final basket the Nets would need in this contest, sinking a running jump shot and collected the foul, missing the and-1, which put the Nets up for good 116-113, with 54 seconds left.

In a must-win game, the Nets delivered despite the constant criticism from the outsiders especially Washington Wizards own Paul Pierce, who last week, was openly critical about his time with the Nets last season and the core players which this team was built on.

Pierce said he "Hated" his time with the Nets and called out Williams for not wanting to be the man that $99 million dollars would warrant him being, but yesterday night, Williams showed up and quieted the critics.

He was the man and every man.

He was the man the Nets needed to come alive in a crucial game four and everyone including Nets Head Coach Lionel Hollins-loved every minute of it.

Brooklyn Nets head coach, Lionel Hollins

"For him to come out, it showed a lot of character to put on the performance like that, especially when we needed it because without that performance, I don't know if we get out of here with a win," Hollins said during his post-game press conference.

But that's why Williams has been the target of the criticism aimed in the Nets direction.

In the team’s season-long struggles, Williams has struggled and as the "Star" of the team, all of the blame, unfortunately, has landed on the shoulders of No.8.

But it's only right to shower him with the praise he deserves because William's performance has provided the Nets with new life in this first round series.

"We really needed to get this win to stay in the series," Williams said.

"It was definitely one of my better games this year for sure and probably as a Net."

And how can you argue with that?

Williams also said that this win was a team win, and that is a fact as six Net's scored in double-figures.

In addition to Deron and Lopez, Bogdanovic scored 15, Young added 10, Joe Johnson poured in 17 and Alan Anderson finished with 11.

As a team, the Nets were out-rebounded, 55-40 especially during the second half of tonight's game where Hollins elected to go small surrendering rebounding and defense for offense.

"Well, Brook got in foul trouble and he was tired, and we needed a change," Hollins said.

"It's just something that sometimes your gut says, 'what else is there to do?' That was what came about in my gut, and fortunately for us, it worked."

And what worked for the Nets, on this night, happened to be enough to fend off the Hawks, who boasted six players in double-figures, just like the Nets.

Teague and DeMarre Carroll led the way with 20 points each.

Kyle Korver and Millsap both scored 16 points. Al Horford added 17 and Dennis Schroder chipped in 10.

But it wasn't enough.

"We had some opportunities tonight that we just didn't take advantage of,” said Mike Budenholzer Atlanta Hawks Head Coach and NBA Head Coach of The Year, for your information.

"In this situation and in this time, it's important when you get an advantage or an opportunity. You have to take advantage of it. Credit to Brooklyn."

The Hawks led by 12, late in the 3rd and also led by eight heading into the 4th, to no avail.

Monday night belonged to the Nets, and most importantly Deron Williams.

"I played with Deron in Utah for a few years and that's the Deron I remember," Korver said post-game.

No kidding.

He continued: "You know, that's what he's capable of. He hit some really amazing shots, and you've got to give him credit."

This team will go as far as Deron will take them; and with the series tied 2-2, the Nets have the momentum and are in the right position to upset the no.1 seed.

It also doesn't hurt that Deron has the full support of Coach Hollins, who defended the point-guard earlier today regarding all of the criticism he's received recently.

"It means a lot when you're struggling like that and your coach comes out and defends you the way he did," Deron said.

"It means a lot. Says a lot about him and how much he cares about not only me but, this team and our players."

For the first time in a long time, the Nets are actually in a good place.

Game 5 is tomorrow night back in Atlanta.

The Last time the Nets won a road playoff game was when they outlasted the Toronto Raptors, in the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs, game 7 to be exact.

It's time for the Nets to mirror those results come Wednesday night.

Bogdanovic Scores a Team-high 28 Points

You can relax Brooklyn Nets fans, you’re in!

Your team made the playoffs.

At the expense of an up-and-down year, injuries and not having the pleasure of controlling their own fate, the Brooklyn Nets qualified for the 2015 NBA Playoffs, which is more than we can say about the other team across the river.

But we won't go there, these are happy times and with the Nets 101-88 win over the young and restless Orlando Magic, the home-team has given life to the Barclays Center for two more home games, and more, if necessary.

The Nets improved to (38-44) to complete their 2015 campaign, while the Magic fell to (25-57), another trip to the lottery.

And this feat only came into fruition when the Indiana Pacers, scheduled to play two hours before the Nets tip-offed against the Magic, challenged the Memphis Grizzlies and failed to mirror the same result, losing 95-83.

As far as the Nets are concerned and their faithful fans, it's not the ideal method you would've liked for your team to make the playoffs but you'll take it.

They did what they were supposed to do and that was simply handle their business against a team they were expected to beat.

It didn't look that way early on in this contest.

The Magic held minimal leads in the first half of this regular season finale and even led by ten in the third quarter, 65-55 with 8:22 remaining.

At that point, the Nets seemed to turn the tables and made one final push, run towards saving their season which favored their efforts.

An increase in defensive pressure forced missed shots an allowed the Nets to generate a 10-3 run, courtesy of Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, Jarrett Jack and Bojan Boganovic which cut the deficit to three, a 68-65 Magic lead with 5:41 left in the 3rd.

More of the same would continue for the Nets to end the third, in which they tied the game at 75 all, into the 4th quarter where other Nets-not mentioned above, had their moments in contributing to the win.

Mason Plumlee, off of an offensive rebound, converted the go-ahead basket at 81-80 with 9:33 left in the 4th, giving the Nets their first lead of the night since their brief 33-32 lead-midway through the 2nd quarter.

Then Joe Johnson responded to a made layup by Magic big-man, Nikola Vucevic, regaining the lead on a running jump-shot, 83-82 at the nine minute mark.

Brooklyn Nets shotting guard, Joe Johnson

The game, at this juncture in time, reached that moment where the next-5 minutes would decide the victor, and fortunately for the Nets and the 17,098 fans in attendance, they executed during that stretch and out-shot the competition.

Thaddeus Young chipped in five points, followed by treys via Johnson and Bogdanovic and before you knew it, the Nets were up 98-86 with three minutes remaining in the 4th quarter, providing relief among the fans and especially their head coach, Lionel Hollins.

Brooklyn Nets power forward, Thaddeus Young

"I am just thankful that our guys stepped up and did what they had to do," said Hollins during his post-game press conference. "That is the only thing that they had control of, was going out there. I thought that this was a big team win."

And it was.

I mentioned various names who played an integral role in this game because they all mattered.

Five players for the Nets finished in double-figures, featuring: 16 points by both Johnson and Young, 14 from Brook Lopez, 10 by Williams and a team-high 28 points by Bogdanovic, including four of eight from three-point range.

"It's a nice feeling to get a career high but it's not most important thing for us," said Bogdanovic post-game. "We have to wait for the other game to be in the playoffs. And I hope that (Indiana win) doesn't happen."

I think the most important thing that didn't happen was the Magic playing spoiler, a team who had nothing to play for.

Those teams, lottery projected teams, pose the biggest threat to teams who aspire to make the playoffs, and last night, the Nets survived a dominating performance inside by Vucevic and another piece of the Magic's future in Victor Oladipo's 19 points.

"I thought we did a good job of fighting, did a good job of keeping ourselves in the game," Oladipo said post-game. "Now we just gotta work hard, you know, get better, so we can make big plays down the stretch in fourth quarters."

Andrew Nicholson even showed his versatility for the away team, knocking down a deuce of threes en route to 18 points.

The Magic, a team rebuilding for a better future has a crop of respectable young talent and potential stars on their roster who will contribute to the star-power very soon, and because of that, Oladipo didn't dwell on the negatives, like the loss and the struggles of this season alone but the light at the end of the tunnel.

"I think we have great attributes to our team, great players," Oladipo said. "...Individually (we) just have to get better and as a team, collectively, as well. It's going to be a big summer for us, a big offseason."

Hey Nets fans, remember when your team mirrored this year’s Magic, three years ago?

Just kidding.

With the Nets win, they improved to 6-0 on the season against the Magic at the Barclays Center, in addition to finishing the month of April, 5-4, which proved to be the most crucial stat presently.

The Nets will challenge the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, which begins this Saturday.

And this starts a whole new holiday for me personally (April 18th-start of the NBA Playoffs).

As much as an achievement that is, the Nets haven't fared to well against the no.1 seed in the Eastern Conference this season, the Hawks, also-known-as the second team to 60+ wins in the NBA.

They don't have the blueprint to beat the Hawks, losing all four match-ups against the ATL this year and in close games.

This isn't the Western Conference where 12 teams can legitimately challenge the no.1 seed, the Golden State Warriors in a seven-game-series.

This is the same Eastern Conference that, in the pre-season, led me to believe that the New York Knicks could actually have an admirable season.

We all know what happened there and unlike the Knicks play this regular season, the Nets will have to give it their all, and then some.

The advantage the Nets have on their side going into the post-season is the fact that it’s a blank slate.

Everyone starts fresh and its 0-0 all.

What happened in the regular season no longer factors into the immediate future, a tournament style format which provides rest periods.

The Nets have a chance like everybody else to upset the Hawks and like coach Hollins said in his post-game press conference, the Nets will have to figure out what the Hawks fail to do well and capitalize on it.

And like all of Brooklyn, we are hoping the Nets can find a way to seize four more games, starting this weekend.

Joe Johnson Bewildered Over Nets Loss to Chicago

After losing in pitiful fashion to the Milwaukee Bucks, 96-73, Sunday afternoon, you would think that the Brooklyn Nets would rebound tonight against the Chicago Bulls with the playoffs on the line right?

But they didn't.

Their struggles against the young and energetic Bucks, presented itself once again hosting the Chicago Bulls, and they without a doubt paid for it.

The Nets fate was sealed early and the Bulls had their way, all game long embarrassing the basketball pride of Brooklyn, 113-86.

The Bulls improved to (49-32) on the season while the Nets dropped their second straight game, now 37-44.

With this loss, the Nets find themselves in a must-win situation on Wednesday night, hosting the lowly Orlando Magic, a team fuming off of a 100-93 loss to the Miami Heat-tonight as well.

You know Orlando will be inspired.

They are young, rebuilding and probably won't mind playing the role of spoiler in their last game of the regular season before they begin their off-season/vacation early.

As for the Nets, that inspiration seems to be lacking.

They know what's at stake.

They know what they have to do, and instead of following through on their goals they seemed destined to reach-just a few days ago- they now resemble a team questioning themselves and unsure of where they are going.

"We lost, plain and simple," Joe Johnson said post-game finishing with 12 points. "I really, honestly can't explain it. I don't even know how that's possible with this being a very important game. So, I really don't know."

A 27-point loss will do that to you, and after competing for the majority of the first half, the Nets crumbled under the defensive pressure that makes the Bulls a title contender, if Derrick Rose is well-of course, and they delivered.

The Bulls registered eight total blocks in this game. Four of those blocks occurred in the 3rd quarter.

And not only did the Bulls defend, they also provided the nail in the coffin that came a quarter early.

With the Nets down by 15, 78-63, and over two-minutes remaining in the 3rd, Bulls rookie Forward, Nikola Mirotic, exploded for three treys in the last minute and 20 seconds to improve what once was a 15-point lead to 22, entering the fourth with a very comfortable 87-65 advantage.

The Bulls never looked back from that point. It was smooth sailing and because of that, Rose, who finished with 13 points was awarded the final quarter off.

"I wanted to play, but at the same time there is nothing wrong with resting," Rose said post-game.

"Not tomorrow I'm going to shoot a little bit more to make up for the five or six minutes that I was supposed to play in the fourth quarter."

This game isn't about what the Nets failed to do, it’s a clear example of who they are not.

They're not the Bulls.

They were not picked in the pre-season as one of the favorites to win it all stemming from the Eastern Conference.

Heck they're not even the Washington Wizards.

They are a team with talent that has struggled to find a healthy level of consistency this entire season, and in the end, that might doom the Nets.

On their best days, they will tell you that they can play and hang with anybody in the league and this is true.

They have recorded wins against the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks.

And then they have head scratching nights like tonight.

What was working for the Nets the last month and a half did not show up today.

Brook Lopez only scored 13 points on 5-11 shooting.

Brooklyn Nets center, Brook Lopez talking with the media

The Nets, as a team, compiled just 12 assists, compared to the Bulls 26 and the Nets shot 36.8% from the field opposed to the Bulls 50% from the field.

It does not sound like a recipe for success and because of that, here we are.

"We really don't have control," Johnson said post-game.

"It's in Indiana's control. We just got to look forward to Wednesday and come out and play."

And that's all they can do.

The Indiana Pacers have two games left to their season hosting the Washington Wizards on Tuesday and at the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.

Upon hearing those final two games, you the Nets fan are already thinking loss, but here are the facts: the Wizards have already clinched their playoff berth as the fifth seed as well as the Grizzlies positioned 6th in the Western Conference.

Both of these teams don't have to play hard, but the Pacers do, aiming to make their fifth straight postseason appearance, fueled by the return of their franchise player, Paul George, now PG13.

The Nets are a half-game out of 8th place and now have to resort to prayer.

The Nets cannot look back at the fact that five Bulls scored in double-figures tonight, including Pau Gasol (22 points), Taj Gibson (15 points), Jimmy Butler (17 points), Rose (13 points) and Mirotic (26 points).

The Nets have to look towards Wednesday night as the end-all be-all and handle their business against a team nowhere near contending.

It's their Game 7, unfortunately but honestly, the Nets made it this way.

Brook Lopez’s Hot Shooting Gave the Nets a Comfortable Lead Early

According to SBNation.com's Bullets Forever, Washington Wizards guard John Wall will sit out tonight vs. the Nets recording his second straight DNP in their last trip to NYC for this 2014-15 NBA regular season.

From the report, the main reason for Wall sitting out is to rest, something the team as a whole agrees with and also it being most of Wall's decision.

Translation: the Nets get a break tonight.

The Wizards can still hold their own, but fortunately for the Nets, they don't have to deal with the speed demon that is Wall, one of the better point guards in the NBA.

And it showed, especially early.

Wall's presence from the Wizards lineup was obvious and the Nets took advantage, fairly handling the capital’s team in a 117-80 win in front of a sellout crowd.

The Nets improved to 37-42 on the season while the Wizards, locked in as the 5th seed, had their four-game winning streak snapped, now 45-34.

With three-games left on the season, it’s important that the Nets are playing well heading towards the postseason, continuing to win especially nursing a one game lead over the Indiana Pacers, who are in pursuit of the 8th and final spot.

And tonight, they put forth an effort that can only benefit them in the immediate future.

The Nets attacked early and often and due to the hot shooting of Brook Lopez, who scored 14 of his team high 26 points in the 1st quarter, the Nets were able to build a comfortable lead, heading into the second up by 17+ points, 31-14.

Fortunately for the Nets, their hot start would carry them throughout the entire game.

Outside of the first 3 minutes of the game, the Nets never trailed during tonight's contest and actually had the luxury of coasting midway into the 4th quarter.

This is the NBA, and when down by double-digits or any extensive leads, teams will make a run like the Wizards did tonight and what’s impressive about this win, in particular, is the fact that the Nets negated every and any attempt made by the Wizards to compete.
With the Nets up by 16, 54-38, beginning the 3rd quarter, Wizards Bradley Beal and Marcin Gortat strung together a couple of shots, consecutively including two treys from Beal which cut the Nets lead to ten, up 56-46 which forced a Nets timeout at the 9:57 mark.

The Nets responded by going on a 10-2 run, in less than two minutes, starring Deron Williams, who finished with a near double-double with nine points and nine assists and Bojan Bodanovic (22 points, final box) who both scored all ten points, shooting back-to-back threes and buckets near the cup, now up 66-48, at the 7:58 mark that resulted in a Wizards timeout.

Brooklyn Nets shooting guard, Bojan Bodanovic

"We knew that they were going to make a run eventually so we just had to keep fighting throughout the game," Lopez said.

But they weren't done.

The Wizards found themselves in position to threaten a Nets home win, cutting that 18-point deficit down to ten later in the quarter, a comeback led by Gortat who scored eight points in the final five minutes of the 3rd quarter, within reaching distance, down 72-62 with two minutes remaining in the quarter.

To which the Nets responded with a 13-0 run to begin the 4th quarter featuring three's by Jarrett Jack, who finished with a solid 14 points and Bogdanovic, collectively scoring 11 total points which contributed to the Nets building a more than comfortable lead, up 26 with nine minutes left till the end of regulation.

Brooklyn Nets guard, Jarrett Jack

"We had some good shots, but once we got in a hole, it's tough to fight back," said former Net Paul Pierce, post-game.

Washington Wizards forward, Paul Pierce, talking to the media

The Nets dominated their opponent tonight, a Wizards team that looked rather uninterested in this match-up with their fates sealed as the 5th seed and their star player, Wall sitting out.

Even still, the Nets earned this win comfortably.

It gave Nets Head Coach Lionel Hollins the ability to play Darius Morris, Jerome Jordan and Earl Clark who might not otherwise get the opportunity to play once the playoffs arrive.

And to his credit, as well as the team, every player available received minutes and scored.

The Nets had 29 assists in this game opposed to the Wizards 23 which was much to the delight to the home team's head coach.

"Obviously it's easier for everybody when we do share the ball, but we're cutting better, we're reading what we're doing better, we're sharing the ball and playing together better-everything is just better," said Hollins, upbeat during his post-game press conference.

You can tell that Hollins and his players are on the same page especially when his players are expressing the same views, just down the hall in the locker-room.

"We got out early, moved the ball well, and played great D," Brook said post-game.

Aside from their offensive explosion, the Nets, like Brook said played great on the defensive end forcing 17 turnovers and excelling with theft, totaling 10 steals.

"I thought, defensively, just allowed everybody to kind of get in a groove and get in a rhythm," Nets guard Jarrett Jack said following the game.

"I think it's easy when we're not allowing teams to shoot a high percentage, it allows us to flow that much better on the offensive end."

The Nets have been making it look easy for a little over a month now.

The team is peaking at the right time, and with the playoffs starting next weekend, the Nets are exactly where they want to be.

The Nets have three games left in the 2014-15 NBA season and as far as their playoff standing which isn't guaranteed, the Nets should aim to end this season 40-42.

"Well, if we don't keep it going, we'll be at home," Hollins said regarding the Nets position.

"If we keep it going, we'll be in the playoffs. We win out, we're in."

It’s that simple.