The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 98-97 last night at the Barclays Center. The game was back and forth and featured several runs. Nets third-year guard Spencer Dinwiddie hit the game-winning bucket with 9.7 seconds remaining. He finished with 26 points and 9 assists. The win is the Nets second in a row and they have started 2018 off right. Their record is 15-23 including 9-10 at home. Of their next 23 games, 14 will be at home and if the Nets hope to right this ship, they’ll need to get their home record well above the .500 mark.
The Nets are four games out of the last playoff spot in the east. It looks like the teams that will be battling for that spot include the Pacers, 76ers, and Knicks. The Nets have games against all three coming up in the aforementioned next 23, getting wins would be a step in the right direction. GM Sean Marks and head coach Kenny Atkinson are building the foundation of what they hope to be a playoff contender, it wouldn’t hurt to get a taste of that this season. The Nets don’t own their 2018 draft pick, so there is no sense in tanking. Look for Marks to be active at the trade deadline and acquire another long-term piece.
Following last night’s game, Atkinson spoke to the media about the importance of building on what they’ve started in the New Year, defending their home court, continuing to surprise teams they “shouldn’t beat,” and being more consistent against poor teams. Dinwiddie echoed the theme of consistency saying it’s important that the team have the same type of focus against every team, just as they did against the Timberwolves. He also spoke about hitting the game-winner and where it ranks in his career thus far.
Flip the page for video of Kenny Atkinson and Spencer Dinwiddie.