It must be New Year New Nets. They are sure playing like a totally new team.
They beat the Heat tonight 104-95. In a game that featured the nickname jerseys. Also, LeBron did something tonight that he hasn't done since 2008.
Both teams started off high-powered offensively. Nets led after one 33-32. The story of that 1st quarter was Joe Johnson (JJ). He scored 22 points on 9/10 shooting (4/4 from three). LeBron countered with 16 in the first.
This game was very similar to the one on November 1st. Pretty close to start the game and the Nets led throughout the second and third quarters. But Miami made its run in the fourth.
Nets led by as much as 14 in the fourth and Miami quickly was able to cut that down to 3. LeBron hit a couple huge buckets. One pulled Miami within one and Norris Cole hit a three to give the Heat the lead.
Then the next possession, Paul Pierce buried a three. Eventually we ended up tied at 89 and Pierce missed a chance at the win on a stepack jumper over James.
This is what LeBron did that he hasn't done since '08. He fouled out of the game. In the first OT he was driving on Livingston and clear contact and a push as Livingston goes down and a charge is called.
Then Norris Cole hit a big jumper to tie it at 93. Pierce airballs three at the buzzer, we go to a second OT.
The Nets completely controlled the second OT. outscoring Miami 11-2. This was a huge win for the Nets.
Miami was without Wade, Chalmers, & Battier tonight. Nets still pull it out as they are now 2-0 vs the Heat this season.
This win puts the Nets as the 7th seed in the East.
The thing about this win is that it was a very long game and an energy drainer. Nets have a game tomorrow against the Atlantic leading Toronto Raptors. With a win, Brooklyn would move two games back of Toronto.
Shaun Livingston recorded 51 minutes tonight so we may see some Tyshawn Taylor tomorrow. Those were 51 very effective minutes. Recording a double-double. 19 points, 11 rebounds.
Joe Johnson led the way with 32. Paul Pierce had 23.
LeBron had 36 before fouling out.
As I mentioned earlier, Nets play tomorrow in Toronto looking to extend their season-high winning streak from 5 to 6.
Update: Nets now 5-0 in 2014. Also 5-0 when Jason Kidd doesn't wear a tie. Just had to throw that in there.