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Suns, Nets tangle in Brooklyn

Mar 17, 2014 - 1:53 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Brooklyn Nets had a three-game win streak snapped last time out, but they return to The Barclays Center Monday night to meet the Phoenix Suns.

The Nets, who bested the Miami Heat in South Beach on Wednesday, fell in Washington to the Wizards, 101-94, on Saturday night. Brooklyn has slid 3 1/2 games behind the Toronto Raptors in the race for the Atlantic Division title.

Drew Gooden of all people keyed a comeback for the Wiz. The Nets held a 94-92 advantage with just over four minutes to go, then Gooden made a finger roll and a 3-pointer to give Washington the lead for good.

The Nets, who entered the contest having won seven of eight, missed their final eight field goal attempts down the stretch, allowing Washington to complete a three-game season sweep.

"We never could give them that big hit," Paul Pierce said. "And they kept grinding, kept grinding, and got back in the game."

Marcus Thornton led the way with 19 points in a reserve role, while Joe Johnson and Pierce netted 16 and 15 points, respectively, in defeat. Deron Williams chipped in 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Kevin Garnett missed yet another game with back spasms.

Brooklyn coach Jason Kidd spent 4 1/2 seasons as a member of the Suns.

The Suns have gotten things straight after a three-game losing streak. Phoenix has won two straight, both on the road, and will finish the short trip Monday night.

On Sunday, the Suns dispatched the Raptors, 121-113.

Gerald Green scored a team-high 28 points to lead the Suns. Green finished 5- of-8 from 3-point range in just under 27 minutes of action.

Goran Dragic added 19 points, Markieff Morris had 16 points and 14 rebounds and P.J. Tucker chipped in with 11 points, seven rebounds and four steals for the Suns.

"The guys seemed focused tonight from the start. We came out with an aggressive attitude on the boards and made shots," said Suns coach Jeff Hornacek.

The Suns led by six at the start of the fourth quarter, but the lead swelled to as many as 15. Toronto never got closer than seven.

Phoenix will return home after Monday's game, but only play two in Arizona before hitting the road again for three straight.

Brooklyn beat the Suns in overtime on Nov. 15 in Phoenix and has won four straight over their Western Conference foes. The Suns are 5-1 in their last six as the visitor in this series.