Despite challenges the Nets made a successful run to the playoffs, but were stopped and swept by the 2019 NBA Champions. The Nets culminated a season unlike any other with a 150-122 loss to the Toronto Raptor in game 4 round 1 of the NBA playoffs.
Brooklyn finished their delayed regular season strong in Orlando Florida as a result of COVID-19. The NBA season was suspended March 11th due to the pandemic and resumed in an eight seeding game series July 30th. The Nets successfully pushed passed leading teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks and secured the 7th spot in the Eastern Conference without the help of key players. Kevin Durant, recovered from Achilles tendon surgery this season and Kyrie Irving, who had shoulder surgery in March sat out, while key players like Spencer Dinwiddie and DeAndre Jordan opted out of playing in Orlando due to the pandemic. Yet players like Caris LeVert, Joe Harris, and Jarrett Allen stepped up to lead the team.
Caris LeVert, Tyler Johnson, Timothe Luwawu, Garrett Temple, and Jarrett Allen started Sunday’s game. The Nets announced last week that Harris left the NBA campus due to a personal matter. LeVert scored 26 points in the first half of the game on Sunday. It was a career-high for first-half points for him.
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Allen won the tip to start the game and Temple scored the first 3-pointer of the night. LaVert followed it up with another 3-pointer. Brooklyn ended the first quarter behind only 39-32. Raptors’ Kyle Lowery left the game in the first quarter because of a left ankle injury.
Yet the Nets’ persistence could not withstand the defense of the Raptors, even with Lowery, a lead scorer, out of the game. The Nets trailed 77-68 at halftime and 116-87 by the end of the 3rd quarter. Both coaches used their reserves in the 4th quarter as the game was all but over.
LeVert led the Nets with 35 points and 6 assists. Allen had a team high of 15 rebounds.
The Nets shared LeVert’s comments after the game on Twitter: “Yeah I think mentally, I definitely need a break. Just for maybe a couple of days maybe a week or however long. I don’t think I’ve ever gone through a season like this before like you said that is so long so I’ll definitely take some time to myself and reflect, make sure my body is good and gear up for next season.”
The Raptors face the Boston Celtics in the next round. The Nets anticipate next season with the addition of their other players and have to decide if they want to bring back interim head coach Jaque Vaughn.
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