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BROOKLYN, N.Y. — One step forward, two steps back. That’s just how it’s been for the Nets in the last couple of weeks.
After showing perhaps one of their best stretches of basketball winning four of six, the Nets followed that stretch with a three-game losing streak – the latest loss coming 109-97 against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. They’re four games back of the eight seed (we know, we know. Development over anything.)
It’s hard not to peak, though. The Nets currently stand five games back in the loss column.
Indiana showed their teeth early and feasted on the Brooklyn’s porous defense all night. They shot 57 percent overall, 44 percent from 3-point and out-rebounded the Nets 43-29. Victor Oladipo was a force, as he’s been all season, with 26 points.
The Pacers began to assert themselves in the second quarter when they outscored the Nets 31-19 and led by 11 at half. They never looked back.
The Nets failed to find much offense other than Allen Crabbe, who scored 14 of his 17 points in the first quarter, then inexpliciy took one shot in the entire second half.
As a whole, the Nets combined for just 45 points in the second and third quarters. A late jolt from Joe Harris kept the deficit within single digits entering the fourth, but it didn’t matter.
The Nets got it within five early in the fourth, but the Pacers answered with an 8-0 run and led by 13 with less than nine minutes remaining. They never got it closer than seven after that point.
Another disappointing game for the young Nets. And, Jahlil Okafor didn’t even play.
Quincy Acy dropped 14 points with four 3-pointers, while Caris LeVert and Joe Harris chipped in 14 off the bench as well. Tyler Zeller had another solid start, finishing with 13 points.
Meanwhile, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (2-of-10), DeMarre Carroll (1-of-6) and Spencer Dinwiddie (1-of-6) combined to shoot 4-of-22 from the field. The Nets as a whole shot 42 percent but were outscored 44-38 inside the paint. Ultimately, defense and rebounding did them in… again.
NETS CALL UP MILTON DOYLE
The Brooklyn Nets announced before the game that they waived guard Yakuba Ouattara in order to sign Long Island Nets standout Milton Doyle to a two-way deal. Doyle, 24, played point for Brooklyn in summer league and has played well in Long Island, averaging 21 points and six assists per game.
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The Nets are now 11-18 on the season with no signs of D’Angelo Russell returning any time soon. It’s beginning to slip away.
For another perspective, head on over to Indy Cornrows.
- Game Report: Indiana Pacers 109, Brooklyn Nets 97 - NBA.com
- Highlights: Indiana Pacers 109, Brooklyn Nets 97 (Video) - NBA.com
- Highlights: Nets five 3-points in the second (Video) - NBA.com
- Highlights: Allen Crabbe 14 points in first quarter (Video) - NBA.com
- Quincy Acy from deep (Video) - NBA.com
- Jarrett Allen’s dunk and one (Video) - NBA.com
- Tyler Zeller gets to the hoop (Video) - NBA.com
- Nets Post Game Plus: IND@BKN (Video) - YES Network
- Atkinson on Nets' lack of energy (Video) - YES Network
- Atkinson prepares for the Pacers (Video) - YES Network
- Dinwiddie talks loss to Pacers (Video) - YES Network
- Oladipo scores 26, leads Pacers over Nets 109-97 (Dec 17, 2017) - AP
- Nets get a painful glimpse of the team they want to be - Brian Lewis - New York Post
- Nets want Jahlil Okafor in better shape before he plays again - Brian Lewis - New York Post
- Brooklyn Nets fan dissed by de Blasio invites mayor to a game - Rich Calder - New York Post
- Jahlil Okafor doesn’t get off bench in Nets’ loss to Pacers - Brian Heyman - Newsday
- Victor Oladipo drops 26 as Nets fall to Pacers for third loss in a row - Brian Heyman - Newsday
- Nets’ woes continue against Pacers, drop third straight game (Game Grades) - The Brooklyn Game
- NETS-PACERS POSTGAME QUOTES - Brooklyn Nets
- Pacers regain their mojo on the road - Clifton Brown - Indianapolis Star