Brooklyn Nets defeat Washington Wizards in Barclays Center debut

In their first ever game in Brooklyn, the Nets pull away in the 4th quarter to beat the Wizards 98-88.

By ghoti Oct 15, 2012, 10:32pm EDT

In a game that was a long time coming, the Nets christened their new home with a 10 point preseason victory over the undermanned but game Washington Wizards.

The center position was the standout for Brooklyn, with Brook Lopez tallying 18 points and 11 rebounds and Andray Blatche productive off the bench with 16 points and 8 rebounds.

The first half was closely contested with neither team gaining an advantage. After carrying a 2 point lead into the second half, the Nets stretched it to 10, but Washington fought back with a 9-0 run of their own.

Brooklyn edged away, however, with Joe Johnson hitting some timely jumpers and Blatche scoring and hitting the offensive glass, sending the near sellout crowd home happy.

The emotional high point of the game, other than the win, was a near-altercation between Deron Williams and A.J. Price in the fourth quarter. After the game, D-Will eviscerated Price, saying that prior to the altercation Price kept up trash talk telling Williams "I'm home," apparently referring to the proximity of Barclays Center to his Long Island home.

"Maybe he some boys in the crowd he wanted to improve while he can with the limited minutes he's going to get this year," said Williams.

The Nets had three of the top 10 plays on NBA TV as well as the assist (Joe Johnson to Andray Blatche), block (Kris Humphries) and steal (C.J. Watson).

Quick Notes:

- Brook Lopez won the opening tip, but it wound up in the hands of the Wizards' Jan Vesely.

- The first basket was an Emeka Okafor two-handed slam.

- Earl Barron appeared to test the NBA's new flopping policy in the third quarter. Reggie Evans was called for a foul on the play, but no contact was made.

Wizards at Nets - October 15, 2012 - Box Score - NBA.com

Wizards vs. Nets: First half Highlights (Video) - NBA.com

Wizards vs. Nets Highlights (Video) - NBA.com

Nets vs. Wizards (Oct. 15) - Postgame Interviews (Video) - Brooklyn Nets

Photo Gallery: Nets vs Wizards - Preseason Game 2 - Brooklyn Nets

Monday's Top 10 (Video) - NBA.com

Assist of the Night - Joe Johnson (Video) - NBA.com

Block of the Night - Kris Humphries (Video) - NBA.com

Steal of the Night - C.J. Watson (Video) - NBA.com

Tyshawn Talks Locker Room (Video) - Ben Couch - Brooklyn Nets

Nets beat Wizards in first game in Brooklyn - Bryan Mahoney - AP

Nets Beat Wizards in First Preseason Game at Barclays Center - Howard Beck - New York Times