VIDEO – Nets Recap: #Bulls 89 – #Nets 93

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Updated: February 1, 2013

Bulls 89 – Nets 93

The Nets looked good to start the game and ran out to an early 8-2 lead behind Reggie Evans two quick layups. Deron Williams, still fighting the flu, hit a 3-pointer and a finger roll to get his night started. The Bulls looked out of sync and a step behind the Nets until Rip Hamilton got his patented mid-range game going. The Nets defense looked sharp for most of the quarter and led 24-14 behind Brook Lopez’s seven first quarter points and good passing all around by the Nets.  Nets led 24-14.

The second quarter was the total opposite of the first and the Bulls flipped the script. The Bulls came out with better defense and the Nets seemed to take their foot off the gas. Luol Deng got started and hit a couple of jumpers while Taj Gibson for Ed his will on the inside of the Nets backup forwards. Turnovers were once again the problem as the Nets turned it over on consecutive possessions which led to easy buckets by the Bulls. The Bulls stormed back and the Nets faded with the bench failing to bring energy. Deng ended the half with 13 points while Lopez led the Nets with 11 points. The Nets shot 47 percent to the Bulls 42 percent and still fell behind after losing the second 28-17. Bulls 42 -41 at half.

[quote_box]P.J. – We couldn’t defend them with our big guys. We had to go small and it took us a while to settle in and get decent coverage and then it was going to be a war. We were able to hang in because of our rebounding (40-29) when we did get stops we pounded the ball inside and that worked for us.[/quote_box]

Williams sprained his ankle at the end of the first half but came out to start the third quarter. Two tremendous dunks by Gibson gave the Bulls a nice start. The Nets second technical of the game went to Gerald Wallace when he elbowed Hamilton. The Bulls had 15 assists on their first 19 field goals made to give them a 53-47 lead midway through. The game got chippy and multiple technical s were called on Hamilton and Tom Thibodeau. Joe Johnson and Williams brought the Nets back and Keith Bogans hit a 3-pointer to put the Nets back in front 54-53. Nate Robinson played well and had 10 assists after three. Nets down 67-63 while out-rebounding the Bulls 32-20.

MarShon Brooks (13 points in 20 minutes) tried to make the most of his new found playing time and hot back-to-back buckets to start the fourth to give the Nets a 68-67 lead. A 7-0 run helped the Nets gain some confidence only to the Bulls once again come back. Brooks was in the zone and score nine of the Nets first 12 points in the fourth. The lead grew to 81-74 behind a 18-7 run from the Nets with five minutes to play. Johnson hit a big three to get the Nets to 86-80 with two minutes to play. Carlesimo stayed with Andray Blatche (11 points in 16 minutes) and he dominated the quarter inside while Lopez (20 points) sat and watched. Big free throws by CJ Watson made it 93-89 with .11 remaining and sealed the Nets win 93-89.

[quote_box]P.J. – Andray (Blatche) had it going and was making god decisions, not just scoring but he was defending the pick and roll well, he made a few really good passes. Brook was animated and rooting for Dray.[/quote_box]

GAME CHANGER: MarShon Brooks woke up the sleeping Nets with five points and a steal to start the fourth quarter.  Brooks momentum helped the Nets gain control and he ended with 13 points, three assists, and two steals.  Welcome Back SWAG.

STAT OF THE GAME: The Nets shot 52 percent from the field against one of the best defensive teams in the league and only took 11 3-pointers.

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