NetsDaily - Game 33 - Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:30 PMThe most comprehensive source for news about the Brooklyn Nets.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50989/nd-fav.png2014-01-04T21:58:04-05:00http://www.netsdaily.com/rss/stream/50371292014-01-04T21:58:04-05:002014-01-04T21:58:04-05:00Nets win second straight, beating Cavs 89-82
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<figcaption>Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>BROOKLYN - With the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Brooklyn Nets</a> coming off an improbable win on the road over the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>, tonight's matchup against the Kyrie Irving-less <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> seemed like the kind of game that builds momentum. Even on the same day in which the Nets announced Brook Lopez' reconstructive surgery, there was plenty of reason for Brooklyn fans to feel optimistic about the new calendar year.</p>
<p>Kevin Garnett was given the night off to rest. Before the game <span>Jason Kidd</span> said that with the Nets facing a heavy schedule over the next week he wanted to give Garnett some time off. In his place, Reggie Evans started at center.</p>
<p>Despite typical third quarter woes --and a two-point performance from Thursday's hero <span>Joe Johnson</span>, the Nets won their second straight, 89-82. It put them a game and a half out of the playoffs before Charlotte beat Sacramento later Saturday night.</p>
<p>Brooklyn's defensive effort from Oklahoma City carried over early in this one, as they held the Cavs to 38.1 percent shooting in the first, but their offense wasn't able to build much of a distance, as they put up just 22 points in the first. Reggie Evans was great in the first quarter, leading the team with eight points and six rebounds in 11-plus minutes.</p>
<p>The Nets led the Cavs heading into the second, 22-17, and continued to play show up on both ends of the floor, with a strong defensive effort and great ball movement via the "small Nets" lineup. <span>Deron Williams</span> scored 13 in the first half and Evans went for eight points and nine rebounds, as the Nets carried a 51-38 lead into halftime.</p>
<p>Cleveland made a run in the third to close the game to three points at the 5-minute mark. Brooklyn couldn't get the stops they needed, made a few too many boneheaded mistakes and scored seven points (on two field goals) in 10-plus minutes. Welcome back, third quarter struggles. It was a 23-7 run that put the Cavs up by three with less than two minutes remaining in the third. However, Mirza Teletovic buried a three in the final seconds of the quarter to get back the lead for Brooklyn. Overall, Teletovic hit 3-of-6 from deep, raising his season percentage to 42.9 and his career number to above 40 percent for the first time.</p>
<p>The Nets headed into the fourth with a 67-65 lead.</p>
<p>Brooklyn used their size and stretch to pull away from the Cavs in the fourth. With Kidd finally opting to play Andray Blatche over Reggie Evans, the Nets found a better paint presence on offense and were able to open it up with Teletovic's stretch shooting.</p>
<p>Cleveland never made a serious run in the fourth, as the Nets came away with a 89-82 victory.</p>
<p>In the end, the Nets had 36 points in the paint. They did, however, manage to score just two fast break points, which is terrible for a small lineup.</p>
<p>Andrei Kirilenko played well in his 14 minutes on the court, finishing with eight points and two rebounds and being his usual active self on the defensive side of the ball. Blatche returned to play 20 minutes, scoring 12 points with five rebounds.</p>
<p>Next up for the Nets, Monday night at home against the <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Hawks</a>.</p>
<p><b>For more on the Cavs, see: <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/">Fear The Sword</a></b></p>
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<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20140104/CLEBKN/gameinfo.html?ls=slt%23nbaGIboxscore" target="_blank">Cavaliers at Nets - January 4, 2014 - Box Score </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/4/5274538/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-cleveland-cavaliers-7-30-pm" target="_blank">Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:30 PM </a>- NetsDaily</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/4/5275052/2nd-half-game-thread-nets-vs-cavaliers/in/5037129" target="_blank">2nd Half Game Thread: Nets vs. Cavaliers </a>- NetsDaily</span></li>
<li> <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nets-win-89-82-cavs-031021343--nba.html">Nets win 89-82 as Cavs struggle without Irving </a>- Brian Mahoney - AP</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/05/bkn-cavaliers-nets-writethru-idUSMTZEA15WRDY4X20140105" target="_blank">Kirilenko steadies shaky Nets in win vs. Cavs</a> - Reuters<br>
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<li> <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2014/1/4/5275278/cleveland-cavaliers-vs-brooklyn-nets-cavs-earn-another-road-loss-lose">Cavs earn another road loss, lose 89-82</a> - Justin Rowan - Fear The Sword</li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/01/04/0021300491-cle-bkn-1h.nba" target="_blank">Cavaliers vs. Nets: Highlights (Video) </a>- NBA.com</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/01/04/0021300491-cle-bkn-play1.nba" target="_blank">Williams Crosses and Hits (Video) </a>- NBA.com</span></li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/01/04/0021300491-cle-bkn-play2.nba" target="_blank">Pierce With the Step (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31290249&topic_id=39660478&tcid=vpp_copy_31290249&v=3" target="_blank">Nets Post Game Plus: Nets take down Cavaliers (Video)</a> - Nancy Newman - YES Network</li>
<li> <a href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31290219&topic_id=39099298&tcid=vpp_copy_31290219&v=3" target="_blank">Jason Kidd talks about big win over the Cavaliers (Video)</a> - YES Network</li>
<li> <a href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31290221&topic_id=39099298&tcid=vpp_copy_31290221&v=3" target="_blank">Paul Pierce talks about the big win for the Nets (Video)</a> - YES Network</li>
<li> <a href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31290223&topic_id=39099298&tcid=vpp_copy_31290223&v=3" target="_blank">Andrei Kirilenko on win over the Cavaliers (Video)</a> - YES Network</li>
<li> <a href="http://snynets.com/nets/watch-nets-sound-off-on-their-second-straight-win/" target="_blank">Watch: Nets sound off on their second straight win (Video)</a> - SNY Nets<br>
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<li><span><a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/highlight-deron-williams-killer-crossover-on-matthew-dellavedova/" target="_blank">HIGHLIGHT: Deron Williams Killer Crossover on Matthew Dellavedova </a>- David Borghard - The Brooklyn Game</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/highlight-paul-pierce-passes-ai-on-all-time-leader-scorer-list/" target="_blank">HIGHLIGHT: Paul Pierce passes AI on All-Time Leader Scorer list</a> - David Borghard - The Brooklyn Game</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqR2laewpwI" target="_blank">▶ Mirza Teletovic 9 PTS, 1 AST CLE@BRO (Video)</a> - PlayerPerf<br></span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-small-lineup-holds-off-cavaliers-for-back-to-back-wins-1.6734666?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Nets small lineup holds off Cavaliers for back-to-back wins</a> - Mark Herrmann - Newsday</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/Nets_beat_Cavs_Brook_Lopez_undergoes_foot_surgery.html" target="_blank">Nets beat Cavs; Brook Lopez undergoes foot surgery</a> - Andy Vasquez - The Record</span></li>
<li> <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/238754841_Nets_notes__Kevin_Garnett_rests.html" target="_blank">Nets notes: Kevin Garnett rests </a>- Andy Vasquez - The Record</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/15004/rapid-reaction-nets-89-cavs-82">Rapid Reaction: Nets 89, Cavs 82 </a>- Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/15010/pierce-passes-a-i-on-all-time-scoring-list" target="_blank">Pierce passes A.I. on all-time scoring list</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/15014/ak-47-im-a-cold-blooded-russian" target="_blank">AK-47: I'm a cold-blooded Russian</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/sports/basketball/new-year-new-nets-with-back-to-back-wins.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0" target="_blank">New Year, New Nets With Back-to-Back Wins</a> - Zach Schonbrun - New York Times</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/05/sports/basketball/for-nets-and-knicks-fans-a-midwinter-nights-dream.html?_r=0" target="_blank">For Nets and Knicks Fans, a Midwinter Night’s Dream</a> - Harvey Araton - New York Times<br>
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<li> <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-small-lineup-holds-off-cavaliers-for-back-to-back-wins-1.6734666" target="_blank">Nets' small lineup holds off Cavaliers for back-to-back wins</a> - Mark Herrmann - Newsday</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/d-will-pierce-lead-nets-under-manned-cavs-2nd-win-2014-article-1.1566618" target="_blank">Deron Williams, Paul Pierce lead Nets over under-manned Cavaliers for win streak</a> - Mitch Abramson - New York Daily News </li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/lawrence-paul-step-long-brooklyn-article-1.1566708" target="_blank">Jason Kidd moving Paul Pierce to power forward helps Nets</a> - Mitch Lawrence - New York Daily News<br>
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<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/nets-89-cavaliers-82-an-impressive-win-that-shouldnt-have-needed-to-be-inpressive-game-grades/">Nets 89, Cavaliers 82: An impressive win that shouldn't have needed to be impressive (GAME GRADES) </a>- Daniel Savitzky - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/the-morning-after-nets-start-another-streak/" target="_blank">The Morning After: Nets Start Another Streak</a> - Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game<br>
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<li> <a href="http://snynets.com/nets/final-score-nets-89-cavaliers-82/">Final Score: Nets 89, Cavaliers 82 </a>- Joe Paolantonio - SNY Nets</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.netstakeover.com/2014/01/nets-finish-off-cavs-in-fourth-quarter.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Nets finish off Cavs in fourth quarter for second straight win </a>- Ed Boulanger - Nets Take Over</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/nets/blog/nets-go-small-win-second-straight" target="_blank">Nets Go Small, Win Second Straight</a> - Lenn Robbins - Brooklyn Nets</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2014/01/nothing_adds_up_correctly_for.html" target="_blank">Nothing adds up correctly for Cavaliers as they fall 89-82 to Brooklyn Nets</a> - Jodie Valade - Cleveland Plain-Dealer<br>
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<li> <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2014/01/cleveland_cavaliers_offense_di.html" target="_blank">Cleveland Cavaliers offense directed by Jarrett Jack flows nicely</a> - Mary Schmitt-Boyer - Cleveland Plain-Dealer</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.ohio.com/sports/cavs/nets-89-cavs-82-dion-waiters-scores-22-but-offense-goes-cold-in-fourth-quarter-1.457206" target="_blank">Nets 89, Cavs 82: Dion Waiters scores 22, but offense goes cold in fourth</a> - Jason Lloyd - Akron Beacon-Journal<br>
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<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/recap/nets-140104" target="_blank">Wine and Gold Fall in Brooklyn</a> - Cleveland Cavaliers<br>
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https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/4/5274798/nets-cavaliers-recap-final-score-2014Tom Lorenzo2014-01-04T20:35:58-05:002014-01-04T20:35:58-05:002nd Half Game Thread: Nets vs. Cavs
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<figcaption>Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> lead the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> at halftime, 51-38.</p>
<ul>
<li><span><a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20140104/CLEBKN/gameinfo.html?ls=slt%23nbaGIboxscore">Cavaliers at Nets - January 4, 2014 - Box Score</a> - NBA.com</span></li>
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<a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/4/5274538/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-cleveland-cavaliers-7-30-pm">Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:30 PM </a>- NetsDaily</li>
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https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/4/5275052/2nd-half-game-thread-nets-vs-cavaliersTom Lorenzo2014-01-04T19:00:02-05:002014-01-04T19:00:02-05:00Game Thread: Nets vs. Cavs, 7:30 PM
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<figcaption>Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><strong>TV:</strong> YES<br><strong>Radio:</strong> CBS 880</p>
<p>Catch up on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cavaliers</a> at <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/">Fear The Sword</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Reminder:</strong> Please familiarize yourself with the <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/community-guidelines"><strong>NetsDaily Community Guidelines</strong></a>.</p>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="5" border="1" cellspacing="5" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table"><tbody> <tr><th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver">Game 33</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center> <a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/529035/cle_current.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Cle_current_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/529035/cle_current_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1388875051436"> </center></td> <th align="center" width="20">@</th> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1534589/bkn_2nd.gif"></center></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center>11-21<br>2-14 on the road</center></td> <th align="center" width="20"></th> <td width="240"><center>11-21<br>6-9 at home</center></td> </tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Jan. 4, 2014</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Barclays Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>7:30 p.m. ET</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>TV: YES. Radio: WCBS 880</strong></td></tr> <tr><th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Probable Starters</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Jarrett Jack</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Deron Williams</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>C.J. Miles</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SG</th> <td width="240"><span>Shaun Livingston</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Earl Clark</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SF</th> <td width="240"><span>Joe Johnson</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Tristan Thompson</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PF</th> <td width="240"><span>Paul Pierce</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Anderson Varejao</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">C</th> <td width="240"><span>Reggie Evans</span></td> </tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" colspan="3" align="center"><strong>Previous Meeting</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">Oct. 30, 2013</td> <td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/10/30/5048530/nets-cavs-2013-recap-final-score" target="_blank">Cavaliers 98, Nets 94</a></td> </tr> <tr><th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><strong><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats/" target="_blank">2013-14 Advanced Stats</a></strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">93.6 (18)</td> <th align="center" width="20">Pace</th> <td width="240">92.2 (25)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">99.9 (27)</td> <th align="center" width="20">ORtg</th> <td width="240">104.0 (21)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">105.9 (16)</td> <th align="center" width="20">DRtg</th> <td width="240">109.7 (30)</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/4/5274538/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-cleveland-cavaliers-7-30-pmTom Lorenzo2014-01-04T15:13:32-05:002014-01-04T15:13:32-05:00E-Mailing With the Enemy: Cleveland Cavaliers
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<figcaption>David Richard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Dennis Velasco is back in the new year and he asks Conrad Kaczmarek from <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/" target="new">Fear The Sword</a> five questions about the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kaczmarek gives us some solid 411 into the team from Cleveland, so don't be scared to read his words!</p> <p><b><br>1) Both the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> head into their match-up at Barclays Center at 11-21. While both are surely disappointing for each respective team's fanbase, it's likely more humbling and infuriating for Nets fans. Yet, coming into the season, there was a lot of hope for the Cavs being legit playoff contenders, which in the pathetic Eastern Conference, both teams still are. That said, what has been the most disappointing aspect of the Cavs' season thus far?</b><br><br>The most disappointing aspect of the Cavs’ season is probably just the lack of chemistry and development as a team. We know that this is one of the youngest teams in the league, but there seems to be a decent amount of talent on the roster. It just doesn’t fit. You don’t seem them working together well as a team and creating an effective offense. I’m not sure if it’s because the pieces don’t fit or because of poor coaching or because they’re just young players — but it doesn’t seem like anybody makes each other better. When you watch the Cavs, it’s hard to figure out if they have any sort of plan or identity. It frequently looks like a pick-up game at the YMCA with everybody just doing their own thing. It’s really frustrating, but at the same time, there’s a lot of time left. Maybe we’ll see some improvement as the year goes on.</p>
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<p><b>2) <span>Andrew Bynum</span> is likely to be moved either by trade or release in a few days. What happened? Was it strictly off-court situations or was his performance on the court also lacking to a degree that was to the team's dislike?</b><br><br>We’re not getting any clear answers about what happened with Bynum. He hasn’t been good on the court at all and the team has been significantly better when he’s on the bench. Maybe the team decided that he was just hurting them too much and wanted to scale back his involvement and that upset him. I’m not sure. The Cavs made a gamble and they knew it was a gamble. For whatever reason, it didn’t work out and they’re moving on.</p>
<p><b>3) Will <span>Kyrie Irving</span> ever be healthy? Sorry, that was a question that could never be answered with certainty, just speculation, so let me rephrase - Why can't Kyrie Irving stay healthy?!?! I'm a big fan and he just seems like he'll never play a full season! That all said, I heard some critics say that he's taking too many shots - a category he's averaging a career-high (19.1 FGA) - but also a career-low 42.8 percent shooting from the field. What's your take on Irving's play when he's on the deck?</b><br><br>You might think I’m crazy for saying this, but assuming that Kyrie’s current knee issue is just a bruise, I’m actually pretty encouraged by his health situation. You look around the league and see so many really high usage guards dropping like flies. Kyrie’s had his share of injuries, but he hasn’t had anything as serious as a torn ACL or meniscus. All of his injuries have been pretty flukey things that appear to be unrelated. None of the injuries that he has sustained figure to bother him longterm, so I think Kyrie’s actually doing okay.</p>
<p>His play was bad for the first month of the season. I’m not sure why, but his shots just weren’t falling. In December, he was right back to doing normal Kyrie Irving things. He averaged 24.1 points on 46% shooting and 40.8% from three with 6.2 assists. That’s the Kyrie Irving that we’re used to seeing. It seems like he just had a slow start to the season.</p>
<p><b>4) If Irving keeps missing time, would it be wise to give more burn to the youngsters, such as <span>Anthony Bennett</span> and <span>Tyler Zeller</span>, in order to, dare I say, tank? It's a hell of a draft class. One, the Nets will not come close to touching (sad face).</b><br><br>If Kyrie’s injury was serious, I would have fully embraced just playing guys like Anthony Bennett for 30 minutes each night. At 11-21, the Cavs have relatively little chance of being meaningful players by the time the playoffs roll around. But if Kyrie is out, then they have absolutely zero chance. So yeah, if Kyrie were to suffer a serious injury, then it’d be time to completely bottom-up, get the young guys some experience, and grab a top-5 pick.<br><br><b>5) What are three to five other things that Nets fans should know about the Cavs and give us a final score to the game!</b></p>
<p>Hmm….what are some things that you need to know about the Cavs? Well for one, they’re atrocious on the road. There’s a decent chance that the team just doesn’t show up tonight. They’ve won two road games all year and the Nets could easily cruise to a victory if Cleveland just doesn’t put forth any effort. Another thing worth noting is that <span>Earl Clark</span> has really improved his shooting. He’s a big long defender, which is why <span>Mike Brown</span> likes him, but he’s also establishing himself as a very good outside shooter. If the guy guarding him doesn’t respect his range, Clark can punish teams with some three-pointers. And finally, there’s Matthew Dellavedova. It’s never a good thing when an undrafted free agent is outplaying the #1 overall pick, but Delly’s been pretty great. He’s a super energetic guy and really annoying defender. I’m pretty sure every opponent wants to punch him in the face, but those are the things that he has to do to make up for his lack of length and athleticism. He’s a solid shooter, always plays hard, and won’t back down from anybody. There’s a pretty good chance that <span>Kevin Garnett</span> tries to fight him tonight.</p>
<p><b>DV's Prediction:</b> Cavaliers 87, Nets 108. What's your prediction?</p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/4/5272184/brooklyn-nets-cleveland-cavaliers-preview-fear-the-swordDennis Velasco2014-01-04T12:48:00-05:002014-01-04T12:48:00-05:00Nets looking to build on OKC momentum
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<figcaption>Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Nets</a> were an optimistic bunch at shootaround Saturday morning, hoping to build off the momentum of their big win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Thunder</a> in OKC two days ago.</p>
<p>"We need some wins," <span>Deron Williams</span>, who played his best game of the season vs. Oklahoma City, told YES. "We're still right there. You know, we're not that far from leading our division." (They're actually five and a half games behind Toronto for the division lead, two behind Charlotte in the playoff race entering Saturday night.)</p>
<p><span>Andray Blatche</span>, back after missing four games to yet unexplained "personal reasons," said the Nets have a "thirst."</p>
<p>"When a team is struggling to get that one win, you want to win more," said Blatche. "It's more like a thirst for another win."</p>
<p>As for the head coach, he noted the homecourt advantage Saturday's game presents. "We want to play well at home. We want to build on that we did in Oklahoma," said <span>Jason Kidd</span>.</p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/4/5273562/at-morning-shootaround-nets-talk-need-for-momentumNet Income2014-01-04T10:27:48-05:002014-01-04T10:27:48-05:00Andray Blatche to play tonight vs. Cavaliers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KJu-S4DaGjwFkyydvwYzmDPdiPo=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26246209/20131231_hcs_sy4_107.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Last week <span>Jason Kidd</span> told the media that <span>Andray Blatche</span> would miss four games for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Nets</a> due to "personal reasons." We were given no information beyond that. So, here we are "four games later" and the Nets have announced that Blatche will return to the lineup for the Nets and play tonight against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Blatche is present for shootaround. Nets say he'll play.</p>
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimBontemps/statuses/419488220859359233">January 4, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>P.R. says Blatche will play <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Nets&src=hash">#Nets</a></p>
— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MazzESPN/statuses/419487048182272000">January 4, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>The Nets have gone 2-2 without Blatche, including a road win on Thursday night against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>. Blatche is averaging 11.6 points and 5.9 rebounds in 23 minutes per game.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Blatche says "wouldn't be personal (reasons) if I told you." Said he's happy to be back with his "second family."</p>
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimBontemps/statuses/419489862455402496">January 4, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>It's still unknown what the "personal reasons" were for Blatche's absence. There is no indication that he will have any restrictions tonight.</p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/10242050/andray-blatche-return-brooklyn-nets-vs-cleveland-cavaliers?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Andray Blatche to return for Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li>
<a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/andray-blatche-to-return-after-week-away-from-team/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Andray Blatche to return after week away from team</a> - Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game<br>
</li>
</ul>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/4/5273162/andray-blatche-active-cavaliersTom Lorenzo2014-01-03T22:46:49-05:002014-01-03T22:46:49-05:00Underachieving Nets face underachieving Cavaliers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WWwZmVh1a91e9gut3mHwXQ8F8Xo=/0x142:4000x2809/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26223797/20140102_ajl_ad7_411.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>That was unexpected. Going into the third game of their three game road trip from hell, it didn't seem likely that Brooklyn would pull off the upset in Oklahoma City. However, a <span>Joe Johnson</span> buzzer beater made what seemed like an impossible dream a <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/2/5268522/joe-cool-does-it-again-nets-down-thunder-95-93">reality </a>and Brooklyn got the win. Nothing has or will be easy for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Nets</a>, and after this game, they play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Hawks</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> at home before making the trip to Toronto. And after that, on to London!</p>
<p>Visiting Barclays this Friday night will be the 11-21 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>. Compared to the game the Cavs <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/10/30/5048530/nets-cavs-2013-recap-final-score">won </a>on Opening Night, the roster is dramatically different. <span>Kyrie Irving</span> was thought to have suffered a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/1/1/5263172/kyrie-irving-injury-knee-cavaliers-mri">serious </a>injury against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Pacers</a>, but was diagnosed with only a knee <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/1/1/5264246/kyrie-irving-injury-cleveland-cavaliers">contusion</a>. He's <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2014/1/3/5271188/kyrie-irving-out-injury-brooklyn-nets-will-not-travel-with-team">out</a>.. Also missing in action will be Andrew Bynum. He's been <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/28/5250738/andrew-bynum-suspension-cleveland-cavaliers">suspended </a>for "conduct detrimental to the team." There's a lot to unpack here, and Kevin Draper did a great job of getting to it at <a href="http://thedissnba.com/2014/01/03/why-did-nba-reporters-let-league-sources-anonymously-smear-andrew-bynum/">The Diss</a>. The Cavaliers are on the first night of a back to back, and will be getting out of snowy Brooklyn to return home and face the Pacers on Sunday evening. Ouch.</p>
<h3>The season so far</h3>
<p>What's the story with these two? Let's hit the numbers:</p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>2013-2014</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Brooklyn</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Cleveland</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Record</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">11-21</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">11-21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Pace</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">94.5</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">96.25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Offensive Efficiency</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">101.9</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">97</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Defensive Efficiency</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">106.5</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">103.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Offensive Rebounding percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">23</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">26.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Turnover rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">15.6</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">15.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Assist rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">16.2</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">14.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Rebound rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">48.2</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">49.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Free throw rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">33.4</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">24.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Effective Field Goal percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">49.2</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">46.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Opponent Effective Field Goal percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">51.3</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">50.2</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>Good things happen when you put in a <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/3/5270020/film-study-nets-defense-thunder-video-nba">great </a>effort on defense. Throughout the season, there's been poor focus, communication, & sometimes a lack of effort. Those issues have contributed to Brooklyn's status as one of the league's worst defenses. The Nets on average allow 106.5 points per 100 possessions, third worst in the league. A lot of their problems stem from their inability to defend the three point line. Net foes are connecting on 39.2 percent of their three point attempts, highest in the league. The Cavaliers are middle of the pack in terms of three point efficiency, but the Nets defense has been poor enough that teams not normally proficient from deep usually have big nights.</p>
<p><span>Deron Williams</span> is dealing with another injury, but he's coming off a solid game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Thunder</a>. With Irving not in town, he should be in line for another good game. The Irving-Williams matchup is a marquee one, but since Kyrie is out, Williams will be dealing with <span>Jarrett Jack</span> & Dion Waters. Along with Williams, Pierce and Joe Johnson will need to continue to carry the offense. Despite what you may have <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/01/the-brooklyn-nets-how-to-build-a-disappointing-nba-team-exhibit-a/282789/">heard</a>, these three still have some value to provide to the Nets. For all of their troubles, Williams and Johnson have very good from deep. Along with <span>Mirza Teletovic</span>, they have been above average from three point range.</p>
<p>Irving's struggles could be why the Cavalier offense has been one of the league's worst. The All-Star guard has been committing fewer turnovers, but has seen his shooting efficiency decline for the third consecutive season. He's averaging 23 points and about six assists a night, but is shooting a career low 45 percent from the field. Surprisingly (to me at least), he's struggled finishing near the basket. I always pegged him to be a better finisher near the rim, but he's only shooting 55.6 percent inside of the restricted area. Maybe it's the injuries that are messing with him.</p>
<p>Brought in to help the Cavs make the playoffs for the first time since LeBron was there, Jarrett Jack hasn't been helping their cause. Dion Waters is on the trading block, but he's been pretty mediocre for the Cavs. He's averaging about 15 points per game, but he hasn't improved on his efficiency from his rookie season and is committing more turnovers. They're in the same boat as the Nets, and they will in all likelihood miss the playoffs (same goes for the Nets).</p>
<h3>Player to watch: <span>Anderson Varejao</span>
</h3>
<p>Every season there are trade rumors surrounding him, and every season his play warrants the interest teams have in him. The big fella has maintained his normally above average play. He's playing seven fewer minutes this year than he did in his 25 game stint last season, but he's still averaging close to a double-double a night. He's not solely a garbage man, and his jumper has been very, very good this season. He's converted on 50 percent of his mid range attempts this season after making 41 percent last year.</p>
<p>He ought to have a big night. When he played <span>Brook Lopez</span> and the Nets last season, he had one of the best games of his career, scoring 35 points and grabbing 18 rebounds, including 11 on the offensive glass (side note: I was at that game and the guys in my section were FURIOUS every time he snatched up an offensive rebound). <span>Andray Blatche</span> will probably be back for this game, but it's going to be very difficult for him to slow down Varejao on the glass. <span>Kevin Garnett</span> & <span>Reggie Evans</span> have been one of the better defensive rebounders in the league, but they can't be counted on to give you extended minutes of quality play.</p>
<h3>From the Vault</h3>
<p>Head on back to the 2007 playoffs and watch <span>Jason Kidd</span> do his thing.</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/I4fruPu42jE" width="420" frameborder="0" height="315"></iframe> <br id="1388740083209"></p>
<p>More reading: <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/">Fear The Sword</a></p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/nets.pdf" target="_blank">Brooklyn Nets Game Notes -</a> <a href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/nets.pdf" target="_blank">Brooklyn Nets Game Notes -</a>Brooklyn Nets</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/cavaliers.pdf" target="_blank">Cleveland Cavaliers Game Notes -</a> Cleveland Cavaliers</li>
<li> <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cavaliers-nets-preview-223240057--nba.html" target="_blank">Cavaliers-Nets Preview</a> - Eli Kaberon - STATS LLC</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/04/sports/basketball/turning-point-for-nets-a-big-victory-over-oklahoma-city-did-the-trick-last-season.html?partner=rss" target="_blank">Turning Point for Nets? A Big Victory Over Oklahoma City Did the Trick Last Season</a> - Andrew Keh - New York Times</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/smaller-lineup-sparks-brooklyn-nets-again-1.6726715?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Smaller lineup sparks Brooklyn Nets again</a> - Rod Boone - Newsday</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/shaun-livingston-a-starting-point-for-nets-1.6726715" target="_blank">Shaun Livingston a starting point for Nets</a> - Rod Boone - Newsday</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/01/03/nets-rewind-the-most-clutch-player-in-the-nba/" target="_blank">Nets rewind: The most clutch player in the NBA</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/01/03/nets-hoping-homestand-stokes-momentum-shift/" target="_blank">Nets hoping homestand stokes momentum shift</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/01/03/pierce-set-to-go-four-ward-in-nets-smallball-lineup/" target="_blank">Pierce set to go four-ward in Nets’ smallball lineup</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10238659/kyrie-irving-cleveland-cavaliers-second-straight-game-bruised-knee?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">Kyrie Irving of Cleveland Cavaliers out for second straight game with bruised knee</a> - AP</li>
<li>
<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/14994/w2w4-nets-vs-cavs-2" target="_blank">W2W4: Nets vs. Cavs</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/kidd-small-ball-lineup-earning-praise-nets-article-1.1565460" target="_blank">Jason Kidd’s small-ball lineup earning praise from his Nets </a>- Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-insider-johnson-joe-cool-article-1.1565988" target="_blank">Joe Johnson is closer for Nets</a> - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2014/01/dalessandro_if_the_nets_and_knicks_can_turn_the_corner_january_will_tell_the_tale.html" target="_blank">If the Nets and Knicks can turn the corner, January will tell the tale</a> - Dave D'Alessandro - Star-Ledger</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/Smaller_starting_five_energizes_Nets_offensive_production.html" target="_blank">Smaller starting five energizes Nets’ offensive production</a> - Andy Vasquez - The Record</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/kirilenko-showing-why-hes-needed/" target="_blank">Kirilenko showing why he's needed</a> - Justin DeFeo - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/brook-lopez-replacement-shaun-livingston-brooklyn-nets/" target="_blank">Brooklyn Nets: Is Shaun Livingston The Answer To Replace Brook Lopez?</a> - Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304325004579298971538719860" target="_blank">Knicks, Nets Staged Major Upsets on Same Day</a> - Alex Raskin & Chris Herring - Wall Street Journal<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://snynets.com/columns/can-nets-repeat-last-years-trend-after-thunder-road-win/" target="_blank">Can Nets repeat last year’s trend after Thunder road win?</a> - Jim Mancari - SNY Nets</li>
<li> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnba%2F2014%2F01%2F03%2Fa-to-z-kevin-garnett-paul-pierce-10-day-contract-paul-millsap%2F4308217%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netsdaily.com%2F2014%2F1%2F3%2F5269160%2Fbrooklyn-returns-home-to-face-cleveland" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">NBA A to Z: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce lead Nets' woes</a> - Jeff Zillgitt - USA Today<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2014/01/cleveland_wasnt_a_problem_for.html" target="_blank">Cleveland wasn't a problem for Cavaliers center Andrew Bynum: Agent</a> - Mary Schmidt-Boyer - Cleveland Plain-Dealer</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.ohio.com/sports/cavs/andrew-bynum-s-agent-wouldn-t-say-why-relationship-with-cavs-ended-but-city-not-the-issue-1.456882" target="_blank">Andrew Bynum’s agent wouldn’t say why relationship with Cavs ended but city not the issue</a> - Jason Lloyd - Akron Beacon-Journal<br>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/3/5269160/brooklyn-returns-home-to-face-clevelandBrian Fleurantin