Kyrie Irving took over down the stretch and led the Brooklyn Nets with 32 points and eight assists as they went on to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 134-129.
Irving scored eight of Brooklyn’s last 10 points, which included a tough driving layup as he almost lost the ball on the drive but recovered to give the Nets a five-point lead with a little over 25 seconds left in the game.
Irving put the icing on the cake of his clutch performance by attempting to steal the ball from Zion Williamson off the deep inbounds pass attempt by Steven Adams, as Williamson ultimately lost the ball out of bounds along the sideline.
The Pelicans got off to a hot start in this one, as they took an early 13 point lead after a couple of minutes of both teams going back and forth. However, after the Nets called a timeout, they came out more aggressive and closed the first quarter on a 18-8 run.
“We needed everything tonight from everyone,” Irving said. “We obviously started off the game, with 7:17 on the clock it was 21-8. We had to battle our way back.”
While the Nets were able to keep it close with the Pelicans, they finally took their first lead since the first few minutes of the game at the 8:46 mark of the third, as Irving drilled the 27-foot triple to give the Nets a 66-65 advantage.
The Nets wouldn’t relinquish their lead for the rest of the third, as they held a lead as many as 12 as late as the four-minute mark of the quarter. However, New Orleans closed the period on a 19-8 run to set up the close game down the stretch.
Brooklyn’s Role Players Step Up
Joe Harris added 24 points, as he was a huge part in helping the Nets push their lead to double digits in the third with a couple of threes.
Landry Shamet continues his hot month of April, as he scored 18 points and dished out eight assists. Shamet is averaging 17.1 points and 50.8 percent shooting from three this month.
Bruce Brown chipped in 11 points, 11 rebounds and four steals. Jeff Green, who easily had the dunk of the game, finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Former All-Star Finding His Niche
Blake Griffin is establishing himself as the ultimate glue guy for the Nets, as he put up 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists in 28 minutes off the bench.
Not only is he getting it done as a scorer and playmaker on his new team, but he is also showing a willingness to sacrifice his body for the betterment of his team, as he has a team-high eight charges in just 12 games as a Net.
He also turned back the clock and wowed the (limited) crowd in “The Big Easy.”
