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Nets final score: Nets beat Raptors, 107-100

Professional sports are back in Brooklyn, and the Nets' season is off to a solid start, though the status of Gerald Wallace is a concern.

By NetsDaily
Alex Trautwig

It took an extra two days, but the Brooklyn Nets finally made their regular season debut on Saturday. And it was a successful debut, as the Nets held off the Raptors, 107-100 at Barclays Center.

The Raptors scored 35 points in the first quarter, but the Nets outscored them 33-17 in the second to take an eight-point lead into the half. They led by as many 14 in the third quarter, but the Raptors came back to close within one early in the fourth.

The Nets' lead was two with a minute left when Gerald Wallace drove and found Brook Lopez for a three-point play. The Raptors came up empty on their next two possessions and the Nets held on for a seven-point win.

The Nets shot 46 percent from the field and 27-for-37 from the free throw line. Lopez had 15 of those attempts and led the Brooklyn with 27 points. Deron Williams scored the first points in Brooklyn Nets history and finished with 19 points and nine assists. Joe Johnson, Wallace and C.J. Watson also scored in double figures, while Reggie Evans grabbed 13 rebounds in 15 minutes.

Williams was given the game ball. Avery Johnson explained...

"Deron came on strong. Usually we give out something every game to what we consider the most valuable player and it doesn’t always have to do with points or rebounds. Tonight, I don’t care if Deron didn’t score, he was gonna get the game ball because a lot of what’s happening with this team is because he decided to re-sign."

But Wallace sprained his left ankle in the final minute. The Nets say x-rays were negative and his status is day-to-day.

The game was a sellout despite the mass transit issues and the crowd was into the game from the opening tip. At the end of the game, as the Nets held onto their lead, the crowd began chanting "Brook-lyn, Brook-lyn," what is becoming its signature cheer.

"That gave me jitters, man. Chills," oe Johnson said. "I know that these fans want the best for this team. All they want from us is to work hard and give them a show."

Final - 11.3.2012 1 2 3 4 Total
Toronto Raptors 35 17 26 22 100
Brooklyn Nets 27 33 24 23 107

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