Gerald Green scores 23 to lead New Jersey Nets past the Philadelphia 76ers: NBA Recap Part 1
On Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA, the visiting New Jersey Nets defeated their hosts the Philadelphia 76ers 95-89. This was the second time this season that the Nets have managed to defeat the Sixers.
The Sixers who had defeated the Nets just 3 days ago on April 10th saw their 2 game winning streak come to an end by the same team against whom they had started this streak. Philadelphia had defeated the Raptors in between these two matchups against Nets.
The Sixers who started the season very well at home have now lost 11 of their last 18 games at home. They currently occupy the 8th place in the Eastern Conference and with the Milwaukee Bucks right on their tales for the final spot in the playoffs, desperation is starting to creep in. Here is how the Sixers coach Doug Collins described the situation.
"We're fighting for our lives now. That's a huge loss. It's hard to figure out."
New Jersey had 5 players scoring in double figures. Gerald Green, who was given some extra playing time, responded greatly while coming off the bench. He led the Nets in scoring with 23 points on the night, including a 4 of 5 effort from beyond the arc. Three of those 4 came in the final quarter at very crucial stages of the matchup.
Rookie MarShon Brooks was not far behind as he finished the night with 22 points. Kris Humphries notched up a double-double with 18 points and 13 boards. Jordan Williams came off the bench to score 13 and Deron Williams also had a double-double in the game with 11 points and 10 assists.
Jrue Holiday was the leading scorer for the Sixers with 19 points. Evan Turner had 18 and Thaddeus Young also came off the bench to ad 13 points. Andre Iguodala contributed 11 points for Philadelphia as well. However with three of their starters unable to get more than 8 points on the night, the Sixers found it hard to get their offence going.
Despite being outrebounded by the Sixers 48-41, the Nets relied on their defensive work in the key situations of the game. They forced Philadelphia into 16 turnovers and even though committed 10 themselves, they managed to make up for that with playing tight defence down the stretch.
Philadelphia started the game off well as they managed to score 4 quick unanswered points within 2 minutes of the opening period. This four point advantage remained till the 5:36 mark 12-8. The Nets responded back with 5 quick points, a three from Brooks and a jump shot from Humphries to take the lead.
However in the next several possessions, the lead changed hands twice and the scores were first tied at 16-each and then at 18-all. Nets increased the defensive pressure in the closing minutes as they ended the period on a 6-0 run.
Link for Part 2: http://www.senore.com/Gerald-Green-scores-23-to-lead-the-New-Jersey-Nets-past-the-Philadelphia-76ers-NBA-Recap-Part-2-a145626
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