In the first game for Brooklyn Nets interim head coach Tony Brown, Brooklyn was outscored in all four quarters and received a beat down from the San Antonio Spurs for the second time this season, losing 106-79.
During the first 24 minutes, Brooklyn kept the game competitive as they were only down seven. San Antonio came out with a force in the second half going on a 20-7 run and took a 16 point lead. To start the fourth period, the Nets tried building a run of their own to overcome the large deficit by scoring six straight points. After taking a quick timeout, San Antonio countered with a 12-2 run. The game continued to flow in the Spurs way all the way up until the final buzzer.
Top Performers
LaMarcus Aldridge notched a double-double with 25 points and 11 boards in 27 minutes of action. Kawhi Leonard had 17 points and eight rebounds. San Antonio's 7'3" rookie Boban Marjanovic, who heard his share of loud cheers from the Brooklyn crowd, led the bench with 13 points in 13 minutes of action, making 5-of-7 field goals. After the game, Marjanovic commented on the cheers saying, “This is good because if people love you, you are good, and I feel great.”
Brook Lopez tallied 18 points for Brooklyn. Joe Johnson had 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting. Two of his shots were from beyond the arc. Thomas Robinson scored ten points off the bench.
Coaches Comments
-In the post-game interview, Brown said, “We gave ourselves a chance in the first half. Thought we stayed within reach”. Then added, “In the second half they just hit the switch and got mostly everything they wanted. Hats off to them. They came out and did this to us last time we played them down in San Antonio.”
-Spurs coach Gregg Popovich commented on recently fired Lionel Hollins saying, “He’s a good friend and a heck of a coach. Our business just sucks.”
Other Things to Note
-San Antonio swept the Nets in the season series 2-0. Their other victory came on October 30th, in a similar annihilation game, 102-75. These are two of their 14 victories they have won by 20 points or more this season.
-Each of the last four times the Spurs have made their trip to Brooklyn for their annual matchup, there have been four different head coaches: P.J. Carlesimo, Jason Kidd, Hollins and Brown.
-The Nets are now just four losses away from tying their all-time record for most home losses in a season which came during the 2009-10 season.
-Brown made changes to the starting lineup by inserting Donald Sloan over Shane Larkin. The last time Sloan got a starting gig came on January 4, 2015 when he was with the Indiana Pacers.
-All active players for the Nets and Spurs played and logged in at least four minutes.
-Bojan Bogdanovic recorded his second straight scoreless game and his third straight game without a field goal made.
Up Next
-San Antonio will continue their road trip against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, January 12th. Game time at 7:30 P.M. EST.
-Brooklyn began the first of three home games this week. Their next opponent will be the New York Knicks on Wednesday, January 13th. Tip-off shortly after 7:30 P.M EST.