Final
Nets take winning streak to Toronto
Jan 11, 2014 - 3:05 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Brooklyn Nets haven't achieved much success on the road this season, but will put their season-high five-game winning streak to the test when they visit the Toronto Raptors Saturday at Air Canada Centre.The Nets are just 5-12 outside of Brooklyn and made it five straight wins with Friday's impressive 104-95 double-overtime triumph versus the two-time defending NBA champion Miami Heat at Barclays Center.
Joe Johnson had 22 of his 32 points in the first quarter, Paul Pierce added 23 points and Shaun Livingston filled the stat sheet with 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Nets, who made 46.5 percent of their shots and held on for the win despite superstar LeBron James finishing with 36 points.
Brooklyn and Miami both scored four points in the first overtime, then the hosts tallied 11 of the 13 points in the second OT session. The win gave Brooklyn a perfect 4-0 record on its homestand.
"We completed the homestand like we wanted to," Pierce said.
Now the Nets will visit the Raptors, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks.
The Raptors have also been playing well of late. They halted a two-game losing streak on Wednesday, but won six of their last eight and eight of the previous 11.
Kyle Lowry scored 21 points with nine assists Wednesday and the Raptors used a dominant second half to record a 112-91 win over the struggling Detroit Pistons from Air Canada Centre.
DeMar DeRozan scored 19 points despite shooting a paltry 3-of-15 from the floor for Toronto. Jonas Valanciunas and Amir Johnson both deposited double- doubles in the win. Valanciunas contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Johnson finished with 10 points and 11 boards.
Detroit owned a 54-50 lead at the break, but Toronto won the final 24 minutes by a 62-37 margin.
"We had our legs under us tonight," said Johnson. "We struggled early with our transition game and turnovers, but we played hard for 48 minutes. Coach (Dwane Casey) told us that this was a must win."
The Raptors lead the Atlantic Division and will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday to complete their short homestand.
The Nets beat the Raptors by two in Toronto on Nov. 26, but that came before the Rudy Gay trade. Brooklyn has won four of the last five matchups with Toronto and three of the previous five trips to Canada.
Jan 11 9:30 PM- BROOKLYN: 64
TORONTO: 68
End of 3rd
Jan 11 8:56 PM - BROOKLYN: 42
TORONTO: 47
Halftime
Jan 11 8:10 PM - BROOKLYN: 18
TORONTO: 24
End of 1st
Jan 11 7:36 PM - BROOKLYN: 2
TORONTO: 0
1st Quarter - 11:38
Jan 11 7:11 PM
Related News
- NBA Injury Updates: Karl Anthony Towns and Ben Simmons to Miss Significant Time Mar 7
- Toronto Raptors Reportedly Trade Pascal Siakam to Indiana Pacers Jan 17
- Brooklyn Nets vs. Detroit Pistons preview: Pistons try to avoid history Dec 26
- Kevin Ollie enjoying his new role with Brooklyn Nets as assistant coach ... and motivator Dec 25
- Dennis Smith Jr. return brings instant benefits to Brooklyn Nets Dec 25
- 3 Takeaways from Brooklyn Nets historic victory over Detroit Pistons Dec 24
- Toronto Raptors vs Utah Jazz Final: 126-119 — Raptors lose third straight Dec 23
- Brooklyn Nets let Detroit Pistons wilt, win 126-115 Dec 23
- Joe Harris returns to the Barclays Center under bittersweet circumstances Dec 23
- NBA Live Thread: Detroit Pistons at Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 PM ET Dec 23
- Toronto Raptors vs. Utah Jazz: Preview, TV Schedule, Injuries, and More Dec 23
- Brooklyn Nets vs. Detroit Pistons preview: A losing streak will end tonight Dec 23