NetsDaily - Game 36 - Brooklyn Nets vs. Miami Heat, 8:00 PMThe most comprehensive source for news about the Brooklyn Nets.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50989/nd-fav.png2014-01-12T11:08:05-05:00http://www.netsdaily.com/rss/stream/50593312014-01-12T11:08:05-05:002014-01-12T11:08:05-05:00Nets plan was to "annoy" LeBron ... and it worked
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Andy Vasquez of the Record writes Sunday on how the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Nets</a> strategy vs. the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> --and <span>LeBron James</span>-- was simple ... and that it "clearly worked." He spoke with <span>Andrei Kirilenko</span> about the plan and its success Friday night.</p>
<p>Kirilenko told Vasquez that the Nets’ intent on defense was to crowd James and be "annoying." Given James’ postgame comments --complaining about Kirilenko's flopping and <span>Mirza Teletovic's</span> flagrant, it did affect his on-court demeanor. In particular, James badly reacted to Teletovic's flagrant early in the fourth quarter, charging after Teletovic and "nearly starting a fight," said Kirilenko, who denied flopping. Teletovic may have added to James frustration by smirking at James as teammates held him back.</p>
<p>"I think he escalated the conflict rather than just let it go," Kirilenko said. "I was a little bit surprised because it wasn’t a situation to get into a fight, Mirza just tried to slow him down and understand that something is going wrong so he let him go right away. [LeBron] just overreacted a little bit."</p>
<p>The best evidence that the strategy worked was that for only the fourth time in his career --and first time since 2008-- James fouled out of the game, denying Miami an opportunity to win in overtime.</p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/239795041_Nets_notes__Andrei_Kirilenko_talks_LeBron_James.html" target="_blank">Nets notes: Andrei Kirilenko talks LeBron James</a> - Andy Vasquez - The Record</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/15255/ak-47-lebron-escalated-the-conflict?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">AK-47: LeBron 'escalated the conflict'</a> - Matt Ehalt - ESPN New York</li>
<li>
<a href="http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/01/mirza-teletovic-lebron-james-twitter-troll/" target="_blank">Nets big man trolls LeBron James on Twitter</a> - USA Today<br>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="position: absolute; top: -1999px; left: -1988px;" id="stcpDiv">"I think he escalated the conflict rather than just let it go," Kirilenko said. "I was a little bit surprised because it wasn’t a situation to get into a fight, Mirza just tried to slow him down and understand that something is going wrong so he let him go right away. [LeBron] just overreacted a little bit." - See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/sports/239795041_Nets_notes__Andrei_Kirilenko_talks_LeBron_James.html#sthash.v1vbIv6X.dpuf</div>
<div style="position: absolute; top: -1999px; left: -1988px;" id="stcpDiv">Kirilenko said the Nets’ intent on defense was to crowd James and be "annoying." It clearly worked, given James’ postgame comments and his on-court demeanor. James badly reacted to a flagrant foul by Mirza Teletovic early in the fourth quarter, charging after Teletovic and nearly starting a fight." - See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/sports/239795041_Nets_notes__Andrei_Kirilenko_talks_LeBron_James.html#sthash.v1vbIv6X.dpuf</div>
<div style="position: absolute; top: -1999px; left: -1988px;" id="stcpDiv">Kirilenko said the Nets’ intent on defense was to crowd James and be "annoying." It clearly worked, given James’ postgame comments and his on-court demeanor. James badly reacted to a flagrant foul by Mirza Teletovic early in the fourth quarter, charging after Teletovic and nearly starting a fight." - See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/sports/239795041_Nets_notes__Andrei_Kirilenko_talks_LeBron_James.html#sthash.v1vbIv6X.dpuf</div>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/12/5300974/andrei-kirilenko-nets-strategy-was-to-annoy-lebron-james-and-it-workedNet Income2014-01-11T19:59:59-05:002014-01-11T19:59:59-05:00Livingston won't be defined by his injury
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>If you google "<span>Shaun Livingston</span>" and "knee injury" you get 139,000 hits. If you google video only, you get 18,000. The video of the February 2007 injury, which Livingston says he's never seen, approaches the pornographic. The displacement of his knee, his obvious pain, is magnetic for some viewers.</p>
<p>Livingston has to talk about it every time he changes teams. The features follow a formula about how he was a great prospect before the injury, has recovered, moved on and is now contributing. The 28-year-old patiently talks about it all, but after the big games he's had with the Nets this season, particularly Friday night, he will not be defined by a seven-year-old injury. As he told Devin Kharpertian after the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> game, "It's really just about being in the present. You can't live in the past."</p>
<p>He wants everyone to know that he's not just the survivor of a horrible injury, no matter how great of a story it is.</p>
<p>As the Nets' in-house beat writer Lenn Robbins notes, he's taken a seminar in broadcasting, a leadership forum, a coaching clinic and he reads voraciously. He's currently reading Siddhartha, the Hermann Hesse novel about the spiritual journey of self-discovery by a young man.</p>
<p>Livingston understands that his journey back has provided him with self-discipline and maturity, but it's not who he is.</p>
<p>"I've been in some rough places, especially after my injury [in 2007], but that's a long time ago,'' said Livingston. "And there were a lot of different thoughts, but those doubts kind of turned to faith. My family, everybody that's been in my corner, God, it's brought me a long way."</p>
<p>And his teammates honor his struggle.</p>
<p>"I've been knowing Shaun for a long time, so the respect ... his work ethic speaks volume," <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/outsidethenba/status/422482277726031872">says Alan Anderson</a>. "His heart, you can't measure that. I'm not sure that too many guys can come back from that injury that he had came back and just be playing like nothing happened, you know what I mean? He's just a testimony to guys that won't quit, man. He's just always, he's a big help for us. And especially a 6'7", 6'8" point guard, and he's guarding wings, 4's, point guards, doing everything he can. We tip our hat to him."</p>
<p>That's enough,don't you think?</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/shaun-livingstons-story-no-longer-about-redemption/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Shaun Livingston's story no longer about redemption</a> - Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/nets/blog/livingston-makes-it-all-way-back-win-over-heat" target="_blank">Livingston Makes it All the Way Back in Win over Heat</a> - Lenn Robbins - <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a><br>
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</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/11/5299586/shaun-livingston-will-not-be-defined-by-a-seven-year-old-injuryNet Income2014-01-10T23:11:51-05:002014-01-10T23:11:51-05:00Joe Jesus! Nets drop Heat in double OT, 104-95
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>BROOKLYN - It was nickname night in Brooklyn, as King James and the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a> were in town to take on The Big Ticket and the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Brooklyn Nets</a>. Miami was coming off a road loss to the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Knicks</a> the night prior, while the Nets were riding a 4-game win streak.</p>
<p>Plenty of key players out in this one, with <span>Dwyane Wade</span>, <span>Shane Battier</span> and <span>Mario Chalmers</span> out for the Heat and <span>Deron Williams</span> and <span>Brook Lopez</span> out for the Nets. Still, with <span>LeBron James</span> in town and <span>Paul Pierce</span> and <span>Kevin Garnett</span> lined up on the other side of the basketball, there was no shortage of intrigue.</p>
<p>Obviously, though, this was the biggest test of the Nets' winning streak, and in what's been "typical" for the 2014 Nets, energy effort, and <span>Joe Johnson</span> and <span>Shaun Livingston</span> carried them to a 104-95 victory in double overtime. With his 32-point effort, Johnson --nickname JJ-- is averaging 27.3 points over the last three games, one of his best stretches as a Net. BUT Livingston had the best game of his career, finishing with 19 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and took a well-timed charge from King James that sent him to the bench for the evening.</p>
<p>Everyone played big minutes, led by Livingston's career high 51. Kevin Garnett played 36, the most he's played in a regular season game since February 25 of last season.</p>
<p>The energy and effort was there early for the Nets, as the game got underway with the Nets on a 6-0 run, and the offense continued to thrive thanks to <span class="sbn-auto-link">Johnson</span>, who was phenomenal, scoring 22 points on 9-of-10 (4-of-4 threes) shooting in the first quarter. LeBron James, though, kept things close, scoring 16 points on his own in the quarter, leaving the Nets with a one-point lead, 33-32.</p>
<p>Offense was pretty scarce in the second, when Kidd went to his reserves. Kidd returned the starters with the Nets carrying a one-point lead, while Speolstra pulled LeBron James to rest him, and still Brooklyn couldn't build on their lead. When LeBron returned at the 5-minute mark in the second, the Nets were still up by one point, 41-40.</p>
<p>Johnson slowed down in the second, scoring just four points in the quarter, but the defense was much, much better for the Nets as they closed out the half, taking a 53-45, on the backs of their defense.</p>
<p>Paul Pierce caught fire in the third, doing most of the heavy lifting for the Nets. He scored nine points in the quarter, with Johnson struggling to find his shot, scoring zero points in the third. The Nets also held LeBron to just seven points since the first quarter, which was a major victory for Brooklyn.</p>
<p>The Nets led 76-64 after three. It was all about the defense for the Brooklyn Nets. Again, energy and effort over everything. Now, it was close-out time as they entered the fourth up 12.</p>
<p>Things strted to get a little out of hand in the fourth quarter, with both teams playing physical basketball. It resulted, at one point, in a <span>Mirza Teletovic</span> flagrant-one foul when he wrapped up LeBron on a fast break attempt. From there, the Heat were able to pull within two points at the midway mark in the fourth. The physical played seemed to really get to LeBron, who picked up his fifth foul, out of frustration on a fairly wild offensive foul, knocking him off his game.</p>
<p>But, of course, you can never count out LeBron. Even with five fouls and three minutes to play he remained active and aggressive, keeping the Nets from running away with this one.</p>
<p>At the two minute mark, though, <span>Norris Cole</span> hit a three to put the Heat up by two points. The defensive effort for the Nets wasn't translating into buckets on the other end. They had gone cold.</p>
<p>Pierce knocked down a three to give the Nets a one-point lead at 1:45. LeBron responded on the other end with a bucket of his own, followed by a Johnson running jumper to give the Nets a one point lead, one minute remaining.</p>
<p>LeBron went 1-of-2 from the line to tie the game at 89-89 with 40 seconds to play. Brooklyn put the ball in Joe Jesus' hands and asked him to win the game. Johnson had a shot at it, so too did Paul Pierce, but Pierce couldn't get it to fall at the buzzer.</p>
<p>Overtime.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for the Nets, Kirilenko had hit his minutes limit in regulation, so he was unable to play in overtime, after having done a fantastic job on both sides of the ball -- defending LeBron and turning extra possessions on offense.</p>
<p>Brooklyn scored the first two buckets of the overtime period, going up by four points and getting stops on defense to hold the lead. It was a wild finish, to say the least, after LeBron fouled out on Livingston's offensive foul. That, however, didn't stop Norris Cole from draining a long jumper to tie the game at 93-93 with three seconds to go.</p>
<p>Livingston described what happened. “I was just trying to make (James) uncomfortable,” Livingston said. “He’s a rhythm player. He can get to any spot on the court, he can do it all, but in that situation he was going to the rim and I was just trying to bait him a little bit."</p>
<p>Double overtime, after Pierce missed another shot at the buzzer.</p>
<p>Livingston scored on a nice back-to-the-basket cut and dish from KG, followed by a Heat turnover to start the double-overtime period. Johnson then hit a runner, Pierce a three and the Nets were up by seven points, just like that.</p>
<p>They were able to hang on, beating the Heat 104-95 in double overtime for their fifth straight win.</p>
<p>Livingston was great, again, finishing with 19 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Johnson had a team-high 32 points, while Pierce finished with 23 points.</p>
<p>LeBron went for 36 points, five assists and seven rebounds.</p>
<p>Next up for the Nets, the <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Raptors</a> on the road, Saturday night.</p>
<p><b>For more in the Heat, see: <a href="http://www.hothothoops.com/">Hot Hot Hoops</a></b></p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20140110/MIABKN/gameinfo.html?ls=slt%23nbaGIboxscore" target="_blank">Heat at Nets - January 10, 2014 - Box score </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/10/5296814/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-miami-heat-8-00-pm" target="_blank">Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Miami Heat, 8:00 PM </a>- NetsDaily</span></li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/10/5297198/2nd-half-game-thread-nets-vs-heat" target="_blank">2nd Half Game Thread: Nets vs. Heat </a>- NetsDaily</span></li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nets-beat-heat-2-ots-041936260--nba.html">Nets beat Heat in 2 OTs for 5th straight win </a>- Brian Mahoney - AP</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/01/10/0021300537-mia-bkn-1h.nba" target="_blank">Heat vs. Nets: First half (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/01/10/0021300537-mia-bkn-play1.nba" target="_blank">Bosh Gets Big (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/01/10/0021300537-mia-bkn-play2.nba" target="_blank">King In The Lane (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/01/10/0021300537-mia-bkn-play3.nba" target="_blank">Freight Train Follow (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31296669&topic_id=39660478&tcid=vpp_copy_31296669&v=3">Post Game Plus: Nets defeat Heat (Video)</a> - Bob Lorenz - YES Network<br>
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<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31296657&topic_id=39099298&tcid=vpp_copy_31296657&v=3">Kidd on Nets' win vs. Heat (Video)</a> - YES Network</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31296651&topic_id=39099298&tcid=vpp_copy_31296651&v=3">Pierce on tough win vs. Heat (Video)</a> - Sarah Kustok - YES Network</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31296659&topic_id=39099298&tcid=vpp_copy_31296659&v=3">Johnson on the big win (Video)</a> - YES Network <br>
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<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31296573&topic_id=39099298&tcid=vpp_copy_31296573&v=3">Rivera courtside at Nets game (Video)</a> - Sarah Kustok - YES Network<br>
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<li> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2014/1/10/5297362/lebron-james-did-not-like-this-hard-foul-from-mirza-teletovic" target="_blank">LeBron James did not like this hard foul from Mirza Teletovic</a> - SBNation.com</li>
<li><span><a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/highlight-all-22-of-joe-johnsons-first-quarter-points/" target="_blank">All 22 of Joe Johnson's first quarter points (Video)</a> - The Brooklyn Game</span></li>
<li><span><a target="_blank" href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/video-lebron-james-erupts-on-mirza-teletovic-after-flagrant-foul-as-teletovic-laughs-at-him/">LeBron James erupts on Mirza Teletovic after flagrant foul as Teletovic laughs at him (Video)</a> - Max Weisberg - The Brooklyn Game<br></span></li>
<li> <a href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/10/lebron-gets-the-tough-and-1-to-go-against-nets-video/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">LeBron gets the tough and-1 to go against Nets (VIDEO) </a>- ProBasketballTalk</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2014/01/dalessandro_brooklyn_nets_will_keep_you_and_jeff_van_gundy_guessing.html">Brooklyn Nets will keep you -- and Jeff Van Gundy -- guessing</a> - Dave D'Alessandro - Star-Ledger<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/jj-jump-starts-nets-top-heat-2ot-straight-win-article-1.1576124">Joe Johnson jump-starts Nets, who top Heat in double OT for fifth straight win </a> - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://m.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-insider-james-rips-kirilenko-leflops-article-1.1576170">LeBron James frustrated with refs in Heat loss to Nets </a> - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/lawrence-nicknames-jerseys-lebron-fouling-unusual-article-1.1576162" target="_blank">What’s more unusual: Nicknames on jerseys or LeBron James fouling out?</a> - Mitch Lawrence - New York Daily News<br>
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<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://nypost.com/2014/01/11/nets-knock-off-heat-in-2-ot-for-5th-straight-win/">Nets knock off Heat in 2 OT for 5th straight win</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/01/11/another-big-night-for-nets-johnson/" target="_blank">Another big night for Nets’ Johnson</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/01/11/achy-wade-gets-rest-in-heats-loss-to-nets/" target="_blank">Achy Wade gets rest in Heat’s loss to Nets</a> - Fred Kerber - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/01/11/fouled-out-night-rare-for-frustrated-lebron/" target="_blank">Fouled-out night rare for frustrated LeBron</a> - Fred Kerber - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/01/11/a-night-after-knicks-nets-show-heat-not-invincible/" target="_blank">A night after Knicks, Nets show Heat not invincible</a> - George Willis - New York Post<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/11/sports/basketball/lebron-james-seethes-but-nets-are-hotter-winning-5th-in-row.html?partner=rss&emc=rss">LeBron James Seethes, but Nets Are Hotter, Winning 5th in Row</a> - Andrew Keh - New York Times<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/joe-johnson-scores-32-as-nets-top-heat-in-2-ots-1.6776209">Joe Johnson scores 32 as Nets top Heat in 2 OTs</a> - Rod Boone - Newsday</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/heat-coach-erik-spoelstra-sings-praises-of-nets-1.6775968">Heat coach Erik Spoelstra sings praises of Nets</a> - Rod Boone - Newsday</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/lebron-james-not-too-pleased-with-andrei-kirilenko-mirza-teletovic-1.6775968" target="_blank">LeBron James not too pleased with Andrei Kirilenko, Mirza Teletovic</a> - Rod Boone - Newsday<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=new-yorkbrooklyn-nets&city=newyork&i=TWT&id=15210&w=1dmsq">NBA Rapid Reaction: Nets 104, Heat 95 (2OT) </a>- Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/15217/shaun-livingston-living-the-dream">Shaun Livingston living the dream</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=new-yorkbrooklyn-nets&city=newyork&i=TWT&id=15210&w=1dmsq"> </a>- Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post/_/id/19636/heat-reaction-heat-at-nets">Heat Reaction: Grading Heat-Nets</a> - Brian Windhorst - ESPN</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10277476/lebron-james-says-mirza-teletovic-foul-not-basketball-play">LeBron James says Mirza Teletovic foul 'not a basketball play'</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York<br>
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<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/15204/mirza-mixes-it-up-with-king-james">Brooklyn Nets' Mirza Teletovic mixes it up with Miami's LeBron James</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/15220/notes-kg-at-center-johnsons-hot-start" target="_blank">Notes: KG at center; Johnson's hot start</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/15224/new-years-resolution-fueling-surging-nets" target="_blank">New Year's resolution fueling surging Nets</a> - Ohm Youngmisuk - ESPN New York<br>
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<li> <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/Nets_beat_the_Heat_104-95_in_double_overtime.html?page=all" target="_blank">Nets beat the Heat, 104-95, in double overtime </a>- Andy Vasquez - The Record</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/239721171_Nets_notes__Nickname_night.html" target="_blank">Nets notes: Nickname night</a> - Andy Vasquez - The Record<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/24405452/lebron-heat-growing-weary-in-quest-for-three-peat">LeBron James: Miami Heat growing weary in quest for three-peat</a> - Ken Berger - CBS Sports</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/nba/2014/01/11/nets-pull-away-from-heat-in-double-overtime-to-win-fifth-straight/">Nets pull away from Heat in double overtime to win fifth straight</a> - Larry Fleisher - Metro</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://snynets.com/nets/final-score-nets-104-heat-95-2ot/">Final Score: Nets 104 – Heat 95 2OT</a> - John Paolantonio - SNY Nets</li>
<li> <a href="http://snynets.com/nets/hamilton-shaun-livingstons-career-night-validates-journey-propels-nets-over-heat/" target="_blank">Shaun Livingston’s career night validates journey, propels Nets over Heat</a> - Moke Hamilton - SNY Nets<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/nets-stun-heat-nets-104-heat-95-game-grades/">NETS STUN HEAT: Nets 104, Heat 95 (GAME GRADES) </a>- Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/the-morning-after-nets-104-heat-95/" target="_blank">The Morning After: Nets 104, Heat 95 As Brooklyn Wins Another Stunner</a> - Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/livingston-commands-nets-thriller?cid=rss" target="_blank">Livingston commands Nets in thriller</a> - Gregory Hrinya - Examiner<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.netstakeover.com/2014/01/nets-win-five-straight-cool-off-heat.html?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed">Nets win five straight; Cool off the Heat 104-95 </a>- Ed Boulanger - Nets Take Over</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://fromrussiawithdunk.com/2014/01/10/nickname-night-nets-win-double-overtime-thriller-heat/">On Nickname Night, Nets Win Double-Overtime Thriller Over Heat </a>- Jonah Mars - From Russia With Dunk</li>
<li> <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/shaun-livingston-brooklyn-nets-beat-lebron-james-miami-heat-011114" target="_blank">Shaun Livingston Brooklyn Nets beat LeBron James Miami Heat</a> - FOX Sports<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/01/11/3863951/lebron-james-fouls-out-in-miami.html">LeBron James fouls out in Miami Heat’s loss to Brooklyn Nets</a> - Joseph Goodman - Miami Herald <br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/01/11/3863780/dwyane-wade-reports-soreness-in.html">Dwyane Wade reports soreness in knee, sits against Brooklyn Nets</a> - Joseph Goodman - Miami Herald</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-brooklyn-nets-s011014,0,4065657.story">Miami Heat, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James take on Brooklyn Nets</a> - Ira Winderman - South Florida Sun-Sentinel</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/heat-blog/sfl-miami-heat-brooklyn-nets-blog-s011014,0,2233723.story">Ira Winderman analysis on Miami Heat vs. Brooklyn Nets</a> - Ira Winderman - South Florida Sun-Sentinel</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-dwyane-wade-s011014,0,6093868.story">Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers, Shane Battier out vs. Brooklyn Nets</a> - Ira Winderman - South Florida Sun-Sentinel</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/heat-blog/sfl-miami-heat-erik-spoelstra-s011114,0,757562.story" target="_blank">Did Erik Spoelstra push LeBron James too hard against the Nets?</a> - Ira Winderman - South Florida Sun-Sentinel<br>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/10/5296994/nets-heat-recap-final-score-2014Tom Lorenzo2014-01-10T21:11:22-05:002014-01-10T21:11:22-05:002nd Half Game Thread: Nets vs. Heat
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Mul8C2dlhruBHznzazn7IkxfLrU=/0x46:4000x2713/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26633423/20140110_krj_aa9_145.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<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.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> at halftime, 53-45.</p>
<ul>
<li><span><a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20140110/MIABKN/gameinfo.html?ls=slt%23nbaGIboxscore">Heat at Nets - January 10, 2014 - Box score </a>- NBA.com</span></li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/10/5296814/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-miami-heat-8-00-pm">Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Miami Heat, 8:00 PM</a> - NetsDaily</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/10/5297198/2nd-half-game-thread-nets-vs-heatTom Lorenzo2014-01-10T19:31:01-05:002014-01-10T19:31:01-05:00Game Thread: Nets vs. Heat, 8:00 PM
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TnDPpMOSX_Zohbi3XCNRehPJpaY=/0x1039:2883x2961/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26627423/461596651.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Elsa</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>TV:</strong> ESPN, YES<br><strong>Radio:</strong> WFAN</p>
<p>Catch up on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> at <a href="http://www.hothothoops.com/">Hot Hot Hoops</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>
<p> </p>
<table class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" cellspacing="5" border="1" cellpadding="5" align="center"><tbody> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" colspan="3" align="center">Game 36</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center> <a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/579107/mia_current.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Mia_current_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/579107/mia_current_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1389394799405"> </center></td> <th width="20" align="center">@</th> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1534589/bkn_2nd.gif"></center></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center>27-9<br>11-6 on the road</center></td> <th width="20" align="center"></th> <td width="240"><center>14-21<br>9-9 at home</center></td> </tr> <tr><td bgcolor="silver" colspan="3" align="center"><strong>Jan. 10, 2014</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>Barclays Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>8:00 p.m. ET</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>TV: ESPN, YES. Radio: WFAN</strong></td></tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" colspan="3" align="center"><strong>Probable Starters</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Norris Cole</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Shaun Livingston</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">Roger Mason, Jr.</td> <th width="20" align="center">SG</th> <td width="240"><span>Alan Anderson</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>LeBron James</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">SF</th> <td width="240"><span>Joe Johnson</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Rashard Lewis</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">PF</th> <td width="240"><span>Paul Pierce</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Chris Bosh</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">C</th> <td width="240"><span>Kevin Garnett</span></td> </tr> <tr><th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Previous Meeting</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">Nov. 1, 2013</td> <td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/11/1/5056644/nets-heat-score-final-recap-2013" target="_blank">Nets 101, Heat 100</a></td> </tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" colspan="3" align="center"><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats/">2013-14 Advanced Stats</a></strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">93.4 (18)</td> <th width="20" align="center">Pace</th> <td width="240">91.8 (25)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">111.3 (2)</td> <th width="20" align="center">ORtg</th> <td width="240">104.2 (20)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">104.4 (11)</td> <th width="20" align="center">DRtg</th> <td width="240">109.0 (27)</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/10/5296814/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-miami-heat-8-00-pmTom Lorenzo2014-01-10T13:55:36-05:002014-01-10T13:55:36-05:00Nets Nickname Jerseys Update
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uD02k6Je8UVy6MUbh6rYJ1uwZxw=/0x8:600x408/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26618159/reggie_evans_joker.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Reggie Evans via Twitter</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Tonight's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> will feature the release of the "nickname jerseys" for both teams. We already know what the "main" players are going to wear.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3798253/Bc_x0VaCYAA3OXj.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Bc_x0vacyaa3oxj_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3798253/Bc_x0VaCYAA3OXj_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p><span>Reggie Evans</span> will be wearing "The Joker," <span>Shaun Livingston</span> will wear "S.Dot", <span>Kevin Garnett</span> "The Big Ticket", while rookie <span>Mason Plumlee</span> will wear "Plums." <span>Tyshawn Taylor</span> released his nickname on gameday, and will wear "@teey_y."</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>"<a href="https://twitter.com/Tee_Y">@tee_y</a> " -- gunna be on the back of my jersey tonight</p>
— tyshawn taylor (@tyshawntaylor) <a href="https://twitter.com/tyshawntaylor/statuses/421710752190574593">January 10, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>In case you're wondering, no, apparently that's not his Twitter handle, as I learned.</p>
<p>The explanation:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/TomLorenzo">@TomLorenzo</a> It's his Instagram handle... So, I guess he hopes people figure that out? Very confusing...</p>
— J.D. (@theotherjd) <a href="https://twitter.com/theotherjd/statuses/421712679040860160">January 10, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Social media, for the win!</p>
<p>Here's the full list ... our favorite? It's close between AK-47's Cyrillic spelling of Kirilenko or Tokomotiv.</p>
<p>Andray Blatche Dray Live<br><br>Andrei Kirilenko Кириленко<br><br>Alan Anderson Double<br><br>Brook Lopez Brooklyn<br><br>Deron Williams D-Will<br><br>Jason Terry JET<br><br>Joe Johnson JJ<br><br>Kevin Garnett The Big Ticket<br><br>Mason Plumlee Plums<br><br>Mirza Teletovic MT3<br><br>Paul Pierce Truth<br><br>Reggie Evans Joker<br><br>Shaun Livingston S Dot<br><br>Tornike Shengelia Tokomotiv<br><br>Tyshawn Taylor Tee_Y</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140110&content_id=66462882&oid=36318&partnerId=ed-7837821-55442140">Terry breaks down Nets nickname uniforms</a> - Matthew Stucko - YES Network</li>
<li>
<a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303848104579309122545809560" target="_blank">The Nets Need More Nicknames</a> - Alex Raskin & Matthew Oshinsky - Wall Street Journal<br>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/10/5295974/nickname-jersey-update-brooklyn-nets-miami-heatTom Lorenzo2014-01-10T13:44:27-05:002014-01-10T13:44:27-05:00E-Mailing with the Enemy: Miami Heat
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b8E-sdj3v42ozDbmTHN9PGqL-c8=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26613635/20140109_ajl_ae5_222.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Dennis Velasco does the question tango with Isaac Koppel from the excellent <a href="http://www.hothothoops.com/" target="new">Hot Hot Hoops</a> blog about tonight's possible benchmark game for the Nets versus LeBron James and Company.</p> <p><b>1) The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> come back to Barclays Center to face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a>, and I'm scared this time around. First of all, our two main players - <span>Brook Lopez</span> and Deron Wiliams - are out and the Heat are coming off a loss across the East River to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a>. I can only hope that Miami plays for 48 minutes the way they did that end of the fourth quarter last night. What happened? They played like they were tired and seemed to concede the loss with two minutes left.</b><br><br> I wish I could explain what happened last night, but the truth is, I can’t. It’s one of the most bizarre games I can remember from the Big 3 era in Miami. There were times last night, and I tweeted as much at the time, that I felt like the guys were struggling with their hand eye coordination. There was one play in particular where LeBron tried to dump the ball off to Bosh on the baseline, and CB just fell over. That doesn’t happen. That, combined with some ridiculous overpassing down the stretch, mixed with some actual "effort" from the Knicks led to the Heat’s ultimate downfall.
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<p><br><br><b>2) Thus far, <span>LeBron James</span>' stats, though still pretty freakin' good, are below his averages from last season. The only uptick is in field goal percentage, going from 56.5 percent to 59.2, although he's also taking 1.8 shots less from the floor. Sometimes I get a sense that he's just coasting, which sounds weird when you consider how amazing LeBron still is. Do you think it's a matter of kind of saving himself for the playoffs because while young in normal people years, he played his 800th regular season game last night?</b><br><br> Watching LeBron play is always an adventure, because you never know what you’re going to get. In the past, I’ve noticed he spends the first couple minutes of the game basically scouting his opponent, seeing what they’re going to throw at him, and basically being a bystander while he tries to get his teammates going. This year, I think he’s spent a little more time watching than he normally does. I don’t mean that as a criticism, as he’s obviously been great at picking his spots, but I think his approach has changed a bit this regular season. That change in approach probably has a lot to do with the great season’s we’re seeing from role players like <span>Rashard Lewis</span>, <span>Norris Cole</span>, and <span>Michael Beasley</span>. Come playoff time, however, I think we’ll see LeBron assert his dominance on offense from the opening tip and take things in to his own hands. <br><br><b>3) When Michael Beasley has played (23 games; 18 minutes per), he's been relatively awesome (10.4 points on 51.6 shooting from deck and 4.2 rebounds). Why not play him more? Couldn't some of Rashard Lewis' 19 minutes of play (34 games) per contest go to Beas? Is it a matter of match-ups or personnel chemistry on the floor for the Heat? #freesupercoolbeas</b><br><br> I’m a huge Beasley fan, probably one of the biggest you’ll find, but defensively, he’s just not where Miami wants him to be yet. Give him credit – he’s trying, which is new for him. Miami’s defense requires a lot of rotating, however, due to the way they blitz P&R’s, and Beasley just flat out misses them sometimes. He’s still instant offense, like he always has been (and he’s even been way more efficient this year, which I don’t think even Pat Riley expected), but this team relies on it’s defense to get them easy offense, and if Beas is going to miss rotations, he probably won’t see a huge uptick in minutes any time soon. <br><br><b>4) This is kind of a rhetorical and stupid question, but do you ever see LeBron James getting out of his contract to become a free agent? What if, say, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> win the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">NBA Draft</a> Lottery, don't re-sign <span>Luol Deng</span>, and the Miami Heat don't make it to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-finals">NBA Finals</a>? I might be reviving something that should remain buried, but I'm a fan of zombies. Thoughts?</b></p>
<p>I don’t see any logical reason for LeBron to go back to Cleveland. He’s pretty clearly having the time of his life playing in Miami alongside Wade and Bosh, and this team, even as it ages, probably has a better shot at winning a title than Cleveland does, assuming veterans keep taking cuts to come to Miami (and I don’t see why they wouldn’t). However, there’s been so much speculation that LeBron is open to returning to his hometown that I find it hard to ignore. I don’t see it, personally, but I realize that it could happen. <br><br><b>5) What are three to five more things that Brooklyn Nets fans should know about the Heat heading into tonight's match-up and give me a final score!</b></p>
<p>Norris Cole’s flat top is the best in the league, and if you disagree, well, we aren’t friends anymore. If Udonis Haslem plays in this game, it is more than likely just to get on KG’s nerves, which I find hilarious. And I can’t think of a third thing, but I will just say this – I expect Miami to be energized tonight. I don’t think last night’s loss is going to sit well. Final score? Miami 105, Brooklyn 97.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>DV's Prediction:</b> Miami Heat 92, Brooklyn Nets 94... going against logic feels good!</p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/10/5295510/game-preview-brooklyn-nets-miami-heat-2014Dennis Velasco2014-01-10T06:43:41-05:002014-01-10T06:43:41-05:00Nets try to beat the Heat for the second time
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pLsg0xXd8YjyQak41FRAXNCK01Q=/0x6:4000x2673/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26481007/459552285.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ezra Shaw</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>And also push the winning streak to five.</p> <p>Four straight. Brooklyn fell behind by as much as 16 points in the first quarter but were able to come from behind and put an end to Golden State's 10 game winning streak with a 102-98 <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/8/5289822/nets-warriors-final-score-recap-2014">win </a>on Wednesday night. Despite their 14-21 record, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Nets</a> now occupy the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference and somehow, someway, they can climb <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/9/5290398/playoffs">higher </a>in the standings. This is the first night of a back-to-back that will take them to Toronto on Saturday night before they head off to London to play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Hawks</a>.</p>
<p>Coming into the Barclays Center this Friday night will be the defending NBA Champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a>. Going into the season, Miami was considered the <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/10/21/4847102/previewing-the-competition-part-iv-the-miami-heat">favorite </a>to make it out of the East, and so far they haven't disappointed. The Heat are once again near the top of the Eastern Conference and are within striking distance of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Pacers</a> for the best record in the league. The Heat are also on night two of a unique back to back. They played at the Garden on Thursday night and are on night two of a six game road trip that will carry them to Washington, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Atlanta. This is also a rematch of Brooklyn's home opener, a game that the Nets <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/11/1/5056644/nets-heat-score-final-recap-2013">won </a>101-100. Miami is coming off a sloppy loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">Knicks</a> so they'll be up for this contest. And lastly, the players are going to be wearing their nicknames on the back of their jerseys for this one. Meh.</p>
<h3>The season so far</h3>
<p>What's going on with these teams? 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>Miami</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Record</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">14-21</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">27-9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Pace</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">94.22</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">95.32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Offensive Efficiency</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">102.1</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">109.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Defensive Efficiency</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">105.6</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">101.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Offensive Rebounding percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">23.2</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">18.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Turnover rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">15.4</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">15.8</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">18.8</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">47.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Free throw rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">33.6</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">31.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Effective Field Goal percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">49</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">56.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Opponent Effective Field Goal percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">50.9</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">51.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p><span>Deron Williams</span> isn't <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/8/5289490/riley-williams-md-no-serious-concern-about-deron-over-the-long-term">irreparably </a>hurt, but he won't be <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/9/5292232/deron-williams-injury-update-nets-heat-raptors">here </a>for this one. With Williams out of action, the tandem of <span>Shaun Livingston</span> & <span>Alan Anderson</span> will take his place. While Stephen Curry did score 34 points, he did have to take 25 field goals (plus 10 free throws) to get there. He also committed seven turnovers and had to work on defense dealing with Livingston on defense as well. Anderson isn't much of a scorer, but the Nets don't need him to do much on offense outside of hitting the occasional three pointer. They'll more than likely spend their Friday night guarding Wade & LeBron.</p>
<p><span>Joe Johnson</span> and <span>Paul Pierce</span> figure to be the focal points of the offense tonight. Johnson is coming off a pretty great game, scoring 25 points, doing most of his damage on the inside (8 points) and getting to the free throw line eleven times. Paul Pierce was starting to settle into the sixth man role but has been pressed back into the starting lineup with Williams gone. Wade and James will more than likely spend their time defending this duo so I'd look for them to be even more active in the low post in the hopes of getting Miami's duo into foul trouble.</p>
<p>He's had a poor season on the whole, but <span>Kevin Garnett</span> deserves a ton of credit for his play against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a>. He had a tremendous fourth quarter and made key plays down the stretch. I've sent <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/12/3/5150530/the-month-in-review-november-2013">many </a><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/5/5265402/the-month-in-review-december-2013">criticisms </a>his way, but he deserves credit when he plays excellently (Romy has more <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/9/5287890/is-this-how-its-going-to-end-for-kevin-garnett">here</a>). Assisting Garnett in the frontcourt will be <span>Mirza Teletovic</span> & Andray Blatche. While Teletovic is looking for a <a href="https://twitter.com/Teletovic33/status/421349348169883648">nickname</a> (did I tell you how silly I think <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/1/8/5288086/miami-heat-brooklyn-nets-nickname-jerseys">this </a>is?), he'll hope to continue playing at the high level he has been when he's touched the court. He had a pretty solid game against the Dubs on Wednesday night, hitting two three pointers and grabbing eight rebounds. His ability to space the floor will be critical if the Nets want to pull off the upset. As for Blatche, he's hit or miss depending on the day. When he played the Heat back in November, he had a decent game, scoring nine points and grabbing six rebounds. He has a tendency to fall in love with jump shots so <span>Jason Kidd</span> would be wise to tell Blatche to keep it in the post.</p>
<p><span>Shane Battier</span> and <span>Mario Chalmers</span> missed Thursday's game in MSG due to <a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-mario-chalmers-s010914,0,5230336.story">injury </a>and might not play in this one.</p>
<p>This is night two of a back to back, and for the most part <span>Dwyane Wade</span> hasn't taken part in them. He did play in Miami's last back-to-back set and played <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/01/06/3854304/miami-heats-dwyane-wade-fine-playing.html">well</a>. If Wade does play, he'll look to drive to the basket at every turn. He's slowed down compared to his earlier years (as you'll see in a bit), but he still drives to the basket around seven times a game. Despite that, he's only averaging 4.7 free throws per game, a career low. This low is perhaps the result of Wade playing fewer minutes and not being as active (relatively speaking) as previous years. This decrease in activity hasn't limited his effectiveness. In 33 minutes a night, Wade is shooting a career high 53.8 percent from the field, thanks in large part to his 67.5 field goal percentage inside the restricted area. Not to be undone, he still gets you five rebounds and five assists a night as well.</p>
<p>If Wade doesn't play, <span>Ray Allen</span> will take his place in the lineup. I didn't know this, but Allen has been dealing with a knee <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdeo7Q2E5cE">injury </a>this season. It looks as if it's affected his three point shooting, as he's only shooting 36.1 percent from deep, the second worst mark of his career (although that's relative to him. 36 percent is pretty respectable from deep). Despite that, he's still having a <a href="http://www.hothothoops.com/2014/1/8/5285966/ray-allen-productivity-review-miami-heat">solid</a> year and figures to be a factor in this one.</p>
<p>One of the big problems for Brooklyn this season has been their three point defense. As of this writing, the Nets are second worst in three point defense, allowing teams to hit on 39 percent of their attempts. They've been much better the last two games, holding Atlanta to only 33 percent (on 24 attempts) and #3 Golden State to 34 percent. The Heat will pose a great challenge to Brooklyn's three point defense. The Heat are top five in three point efficiency and love the corners (#1 in attempts and shooting percentage). In addition to Ray Allen, <span>Norris Cole</span>, <span>Rashard Lewis</span>, <span>Michael Beasley</span> & even LeBron (more on him in a bit) can hurt you from deep.</p>
<p>When they're <strike>serious </strike>on their game, the Heat are absolutely ferocious on defense. They're top ten in defensive efficiency, but are at their best when they're forcing turnovers. They lead the league in forcing turnovers, and when they're out on the break, you can guarantee how it's going to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkwP0TlhN3g">end</a>. The Heat love to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/10/16/4831376/chris-bosh-video-breakdown-blitz-miami-heat">attack</a> pick and rolls, so Brooklyn will have to be mindful of that. Where Brooklyn can make Miami's aggressiveness backfire is from behind the arc. Teams are hitting on about 37 percent of their three point attempts, which ranks in the bottom five in the Association.</p>
<h3><span>Player to Watch: <span>LeBron James</span></span></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.hothothoops.com/2014/1/8/5285966/ray-allen-productivity-review-miami-heat"></a></p>
<p>He's still the best in the league. As expected, LeBron has been his usual <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/11/26/5146342/2013-nba-scores-houston-rockets-knicks-lebron-james">hyper </a>efficient self this season. He's averaging over 25 points a game with seven boards and seven assists along with it. He's got a True Shooting percentage of 67.1 percent, good for best in the league behind <span>Kyle Korver</span> (even more impressive is he's this efficient while handling the ball as often as he does), and a large part of that is due to his improved three point shooting. He used to take a ton of threes back in the day, but was never particularly <i>good </i>at it. He's improved his shooting each of the previous two seasons and is now shooting 40.5 percent from deep. Another key factor to his super efficiency is shot location. Back in the <a href="http://stats.nba.com/playerShotchart.html?PlayerID=2544&zone-mode=basic&Season=2006-07">day</a>, he took too many jumpers and didn't spend enough time in the post. These days:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3843433/Shotchart_1389331015956.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Shotchart_1389331015956_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3843433/Shotchart_1389331015956_medium.png"></a> <br id="1389331227138"></p>
<p>You can clearly see the difference in style. He's refined his game and has spent much more time in the post than in previous seasons. One thing that is different compared to previous seasons is the turnover rate. He's been committing the most turnovers in his career, but as an outsider, I would attribute that to not being in the best of shape (relatively speaking of course) at the start of the year and dealing with some nagging <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/28/5250496/lebron-james-injury-heat-star-questionable-blazers-groin">injuries </a>this year.</p>
<p>One thing that's also changed for LeBron these past couple of years has been the level of shade he gets. During Year One of the Miami experience, practically everyone (Net fans included) outside of Miami despised LeBron. However, time and team success has changed that. Back in the preseason, Tom Ziller walked us through LeBron's timeline and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/10/29/5041970/lebron-james-free-agency-the-decision-miami-heat">wrote</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>It's not just the rings, but the individual dominance in capturing the gold. He still has detractors, but the venom these days is less bitter and more rare. And given that LeBron has proved the narratives about his guts, his heart, his brain to be nonsense, the worst critiques are easily dismissed.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Everybody loves him again.</p>
<p>No Deron Williams means LeBron will be dealing with Pierce and Johnson for most of the night. He definitely has the speed to keep up with anybody on the perimeter and his 6-8, 240 frame is more than capable of defending any player in the post. On the other side, <span>Andrei Kirilenko</span> will have his hands full covering James. Jason Kidd said he's on a minute <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/15166/starting-five-ak-47-a-sparkplug-for-nets">restriction</a>, and I'm guessing Kidd will manage his minutes so that Kirilenko is on the court late in the fourth if the game is close. Alan Anderson will also get turns dealing with James, so look for James to camp out in the low post. When the Nets double (and they will/should), Miami's three point shooters will look to make Brooklyn pay. Communication has been key (for good and for ill) for the Nets so their rotations will have to be sharp. If they aren't, it's gonna be a rough night.</p>
<h3>From the Vault</h3>
<p>Head on back to 2006 and catch Dwyane Wade in action against Jason Kidd and the Nets.</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6UfRScPhjn4" width="420" frameborder="0" height="315"></iframe> <br id="1389223657966"></p>
<p>More reading: <a href="http://www.hothothoops.com/">Hot Hot Hoops</a></p>
<ul>
<li> <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/heat.pdf" target="_blank">Miami Heat Game Notes</a> - Miami Heat</li>
<li> <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/heat-nets-preview-054036857--nba.html" target="_blank">Heat-Nets Preview</a> - Jeff Bartl - STATS LLC</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/01/09/which-is-the-best-of-the-nets-and-heat-nickname-jerseys/" target="_blank">Which is the best of the Nets and Heat nickname jerseys?</a> - Jonathan Lehman - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/01/10/williams-might-miss-trip-to-london/" target="_blank">Williams might miss trip to London</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/01/10/nets-rewind-kirilenko-once-again-a-huge-factor/" target="_blank">Nets Rewind: Kirilenko once again a huge factor</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/01/10/kirilenkos-all-around-game-making-nets-better/" target="_blank">Kirilenko’s all-around game making Nets better</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/10/sports/basketball/prokhorov-will-see-different-nets-team-in-london-than-in-brooklyn.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0" target="_blank">Prokhorov Will See Different Nets Team in London Than in Brooklyn</a> - Andrew Keh - New York Times</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/10/sports/basketball/knicks-and-heat-offer-a-contrast-in-franchises-and-stars.html?partner=rss&emc=rss" target="_blank">Knicks and Heat Offer a Contrast in Franchises and Stars </a>- Harvey Araton - New York Times</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/hot-nets-set-heat-visit-brooklyn-article-1.1571817" target="_blank">As LeBron James, Miami Heat come to Brooklyn, Nets trying to keep momentum</a> - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/nets/2014/01/deron-williams-is-out-at-least-two-more-games" target="_blank">Deron Williams is out at least two more games</a> - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/ten-weeks-makes-big-difference-for-nets-heat-1.6768926" target="_blank">Ten weeks makes big difference for Nets, Heat</a> - Rod Boone - Newsday</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/15171/remember-when-the-nets-beat-the-heat" target="_blank">Remember when the Nets beat the Heat?</a> - Matt Ehalt - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/15178/starting-five-joe-hot" target="_blank">Starting Five: Joe Hot!</a> - Matt Ehalt - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/15175/blatche-were-eighth?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">Blatche: We're eighth?</a> - Matt Ehalt - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/239539111_Nets_like_the_look_of_NBA_standings_look_of_standings.html" target="_blank">Nets like the look of NBA standings</a> - Mike Kerwick - The Record</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-brookly-nets-preview-010913,0,1222.story" target="_blank">Heat-Nets preview: Miami Heat at Brooklyn Nets</a> - Ira Winderman - South Florida Sun-Sentinel<br>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/10/5287974/the-nets-try-to-beat-lebron-and-the-heat-againBrian Fleurantin