Nets vs. Cavaliers: 3 things we learned from Brooklyn’s surprising loss
The Nets couldn’t get it done in the Brooklyn Big three’s first game together, even though Kevin Durant (38 points) and Kyrie Irving (37) once again went off on the offensive end, combining for 75 points in the 147-135 double-overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
Wednesday also marked the Nets first chance to see Jarrett Allen outside of Brooklyn as the big man and Taurean Prince made their Cavaliers debuts against their old team on Wednesday. The teams will square off again on Friday, which also happens to be the Nets’ first game of a back-to-back.
Here are three things we learned from Wednesday’s matchup:
Talent isn't enough on it's own
David Richard - USA TODAY Sports
The Nets started Wednesday's game 10-for-10 from the floor. They had their three star players in Cleveland. Yet they lost to the Cavaliers, with Kevin Love still out and Collin Sexton returning from an injury. The loss isn't cause for concern. But its a reminder the accumulation of talent isn't enough on its own
The Nets will miss Jarrett Allen
David Richard - USA TODAY Sports
A report from ESPN indicates Brooklyn tried desperately to hold onto Allen in the James Harden trade. Although DeAndre Jordan has looked much better since the deal was done, Allen has youth on his side -- and he is the better player between the two at this point in their careers. Allen score 12 points, grabbed 11 boards and blocked four shots in 31 minutes. Would've been nice to have him doing that for the Nets. Also, Prince scored 17 points on 5-for-9 shooting, going 3-for-5 from deep. He also had seven boards and four assists in 32 minutes.
What a surprise: Offense will not be an issue for Brooklyn's big three
David Richard - USA TODAY Sports
On top of Durant's 38 points and the 37 from Irving, James Harden finished with 21 in his triple-double effort (12 assists and 10 rebounds). Brooklyn's big three accounted for 96 of the Nets' 135 points -- that's 71%. As a group, the trio went 33-for-67 from the floor (49.2%) and shot 39% from deep (9-for-23). They also went 21-for-23 (91.3%) at the free-throw line.
