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The calendar year 2013 couldn't have gone any worse for the Brooklyn Nets. So, it only seemed fitting that they would head into San Antonio on New Year's Eve and were blown out by the Spurs. San Antonio ran away with this one early and dropped the Nets, 113-92.
Brooklyn found themselves down early and often in this one, giving up a double-digit lead midway through the first quarter, after San Antonio went on a 17-2 run. Defense optional? No, defense was nonexistent.
The Nets never could find their rhythm, as the Spurs did what they do best in dissecting the Nets, a far inferior team. Deron Williams had tweaked his ankle later in the second quarter, taking himself out of the game. From there the Spurs built up a 20-point lead, and carried a 59-36 lead into halftime. The Nets shot 32.6 percent in the first half. That's not going to get it done against the Spurs.
Game over at halftime.
In the third, the Nets found themselves down by 32 points, and trailed heading into the 4th quarter, 98-68. They made a little run against the Spurs' end of the bench, but ultimately lost 113-92. The Nets are 10-21 on the season.
Mason Plumlee continues to look "promising," and more importantly athletic, which is something this team greatly lacks. Plumlee finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds in 38 minutes. Nice effort, but really not much else to like about this one.
One positive note from this game, Andrei Kirilenko returned to action for the first time since November 4. He played just 11 minutes and contributed four points and one rebound, but it's good to see him back on the basketball court and here's to hoping he can stay healthy enough to become a major contributor for this team in 2014.
After the game, D-Will suggested the front office isn't planning any moves.
Asked Deron if #Nets can win with this group: "We have no choice. I don’t think we are making any trades. … This is the team we’ve got."
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) January 1, 2014
And Paul Pierce once again he's embarrassed by it all.
Paul Pierce said this is "embarrassing." Said he's never been involved in this many blowouts in his whole career combined. #Nets
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) January 1, 2014
In the other locker room, Manu Ginobili had his own assessment.
Manu Ginobili on why Kevin Garnett isn't doing well with #Nets: "When the teams not doing good and the mood is bad, everyone is worse ."
— Paul Garcia PS (@PaulGarciaPS) January 1, 2014
For more on the Spurs, see: Pounding The Rock
- Nets at Spurs - December 31, 2013 - Box score - NBA.com
- Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets at San Antonio Spurs, 7:00 PM - NetsDaily
- Nets vs. Spurs: Hightlights (Video) - NBA.com
- Parker Driving (Video) - NBA.com
- Plumlee Scores for Spurs (Video) - NBA.com
- Splitter Beats the Buzzer (Video) - NBA.com
- Pierce Slams (Video) - NBA.com
- Mason Plumlee's Dunk Barrage (Video) - The Brooklyn Game
- Kidd on loss to Pacers (Video) - YES Network
- Kirlenko talks about loss (Video) - YES Network
- Plumlee on Brooklyn's loss (Video) - YES Network
- Pierce on loss to Spurs (Video) - YES Network
- Parker Leads Spurs to Rout of Nets - AP
- Nets prove Stan Van Gundy right with 'bush league' effort against Spurs - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News
- Nets: Spurs seize command, roll to 113-92 win - Andy Vasquez - The Record
- Nets notes: Andrei Kirilenko returns - Andy Vasquez - The Record
- Nets end 2013 with a thud - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York
- Rapid Reaction: Spurs 113, Nets 92 - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York
- Nets End Year Gaining Nothing but Sympathy - Andrew Keh - New York Times
- Nets lose again as they're thoroughly outplayed by Spurs, 113-92 - Rod Boone - Newsday
- Nets' Andrei Kirilenko gets into action at last - Rod Boone - Newsday
- New Year, Same Old ‘Bush-League’ Nets With J-Kidd At Helm - Steve Lichtenstein - WFAN
- What's left to say after this loss? - Danny Savitzky - The Brooklyn Game
- GAME GRADES: More sleep walking as Spurs win 113-92 - Danny Savitzky - The Brooklyn Game
- Plumlee on display with Lopez down - Gregory Hrinya - Examiner
- Spurs, Duncan dominate Nets, Garnett - Dan McCarney - San Antonio Express-News
- Spurs 113, Brooklyn 92 (Final) - Dan McCarney - San Antonio Express-News
- Nets vs Spurs Postgame Wrap - Jabari Young - San Antonio Express-News