Nets 95 – Clippers 101

The Clippers hit three of their first four 3-pointers to take a 11-6 lead behind two from Willie Green.  Joe Johnson got a few buckets early to get him going.  Green with 10 of the Clippers first 16 points hitting on 4-of- 5 shooting.  Deron Williams got into a flow late in the quarter and ended with 8 points after one. Johnson with 10 points and Reggie Evans with 7 rebounds as Clippers led 25-24 after first.

As usual, the Bench Mob started the second quarter and sparked a 10-4 run.  Kris Humphries made a comeback and the second unit hit a couple threes from Keith Bogans.  Johnson anchored the second unit for Brooklyn. CJ Watson got the Nets running and found openings to help the Nets build a 37-30 lead midway through second.   Humphries made his mark with a rejection that lead to a three by Watson.  Williams came back to get the Nets rolling again finish the half with 11 points and 3 assists to get the Nets a 49-47 lead at half.

The second half started sloppy with more turnovers from both teams.  Bogans got the Nets going and hit another three to get the Nets to a 65-60 lead.  Gerald Wallace hit multiple threes and a couple of driving layups to build the lead to 74-65 with two to play.  Johnson returned after a brief thigh contusion to help Brooklyn end three quarters ahead 75-70.  Wallace with 15, Lopez with 14 and Johnson/Williams with 23 points.

[blockquote]PJ – We got off to a very tough start in the fourth quarter and it hurt us. They did a much better job of closing it out then we did. [/blockquote]

Clippers came out with an 11-5 run to start the fourth to take an 81-80 lead with eight minutes to play.  The bench gave the Nets a few minutes before Williams and Brook Lopez returned.   Williams and Lopez kept the Nets in the game with three to play down 90-88.  Chris Paul took over and hit the dagger to end the game with a three point play with under .30 to play.  Clippers win 101-95.

The Nets let this one slip away late with a sloppy 31-20 fourth quarter.

LEADERS:

Points – Lopez – 18

Rebounds – Evans – 16

Assists – Williams – 9

GAME CHANGER: Chris Paul scored 17 fourth quarter points and directed the Clippers down the stretch.  The back breaker was a running one handed chuck that went in to give the Clippers an 97-92 lead with .22 to play.

STAT OF THE GAME: 15 Nets turnovers led to 23 Clippers points.

 BOXSCORE REPLAY