New Jersey Nets rip apart the Toronto Raptors to win Europe’s first ever NBA game
In a historic night at the O2 Arena, London, the New Jersey Nets snapped their six-game losing streak in style as they pinned the Toronto Raptors 116-103.
Brook Lopez led from the front and scored a team-high 25 points to land Nets the honor of being the first NBA team ever to win a regular season game in Europe.
His efforts were complemented by the newly acquired All-Star guard Deron Williams and Kris Humphries. Kris Humphries had 18 points and 17 rebounds while Williams continued to provide fireworks since he was traded to New Jersey
last week, clutching his fourth straight double-double in the game with 16 points and 11 assists.
DeMar DeRozan and Andrea Bargnani combined for 53 points for Raptors. Their formidable exertion though, was incredibly overpowered by Lopez and Williams in the second half. The game that was witnessed by a 18, 689 strong crowd,
became all the more momentous for Williams as it marked his first win in the new franchise.
Cherishing the win, Williams said after the game.
"We had a lot of energy today. We were all a little worried about how the trip would affect us, fatigue would set in. But we had a lot of energy. We had definitely some bright spots, some guys played great for us tonight."
Brook Lopez nailed a jump shot to start the proceedings at The O2 Arena. DeMar DeRozan though, was a thorn in Nets side right from the tip-off. The second year pro, who is among the best dunkers in the league, lifted the momentum
for Raps with two straight jumpers. He then continued to rattle the Nets rim on a consistent basis and scored 10 of his 30 points in the first twelve minutes. The Nets however responded with some offensive might of their own and absorbed the DeRozan assault
to end the first quarter with a lead of 27-23.
The second quarter depicted remarkable retaliation form Raptors with an early 10-0 run, sparking them to a 33-27. Lopez charged in for the Nets to snatch back the lead in the last three minutes of the frame. However, Raptors kept
their domination and procured 4 points lead as the game progressed into the second half.
The game was filled with sheer excitement with a massive support from the spectators and they were relishing every moment of the play.
The Nets drew the first blood in the third quarter with a 19-8 surge to take a 66-59 lead. However, the Raps ripped them apart in the last six minutes of the frame as they sprinted to a 22-12 stretch to head into the ultimate quarter
with a three point advantage.
Toronto’s lead was short lived though as the Nets took over the game from there on in, diminishing all the efforts pulled in by the opposition. Jordan Farmar struck the initial blow with two scorching treys from downtown. He had
only set the tone though. What followed was an array of lay-ups and jumpers that constituted a 14-3 run, one which completely blew the Raps apart. Although the Raps tried hard in the final minutes to pull back but it was too little too late as the Nets romped
to a 116-103 win.
NBA's first regular season game played in Europe concluded in high spirits for New Jersey Nets. Both the teams will be facing each other once again on Saturday afternoon at the same place as Toronto Raptors will be looking forward
to turn the tables.
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