NetsDaily - Game 62 - Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors, 7:30 PMThe most comprehensive source for news about the Brooklyn Nets.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50989/nd-fav.png2014-03-11T17:52:13-04:00http://www.netsdaily.com/rss/stream/52541632014-03-11T17:52:13-04:002014-03-11T17:52:13-04:00Active hands, swarming D key to Nets success
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1j1vSh1keiikz8QIcy-QAGp1vYU=/0x138:4000x2805/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29878145/20140310_ajl_sh4_292.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Devin Kharpertian takes a look at what everyone has noticed, but few have analyzed: the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Nets</a> defense has been key to the team's newfound success. And what's he's also found, as born out by the statistics, is that the defense is getting better as the season has gone on ... perhaps because it's infectious.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Brooklyn's defense has rung in the new year by limiting shot attempts and wreaking havoc with their new hybrid small/long lineup. Brooklyn's created a ridiculous 118 turnovers in their last five games alone, and their opponent turnover rate of 19.2 percent since the new year leads the league by a comfortable margin.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And despite his role as anchor of the Nets defense, this improvement is not all about Kevin Garnett. Beyond noting that Garnett has been out during this stretch of suggest, Kharpertian adds that <span>Mason Plumlee</span> has filled in more than capably for KG.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It's not just the Garnett factor either, either: the Nets lineup this past week, with rookie seven-footer Mason Plumlee replacing Garnett at center with Garnett battling back spasms, has created a ridiculous 36 turnovers in the (very!) small sample size of 71 minutes.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Plumlee spoke this week to the YES Network's Matthew Stucko about how much Garnett has helped him, encouraged him ... which of course means helping the Nets as a whole.</p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/nets-turn-over-a-new-leaf-in-new-year/2/" target="_blank">Nets turn over a new leaf in new year</a> - Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li>
<a href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10591570" target="_blank">The Truth About It (Video)</a> - Tom Haberstroh - ESPN <br>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/11/5497706/brooklyn-nets-defense-is-getting-better-as-2014-progressesNet Income2014-03-10T22:05:36-04:002014-03-10T22:05:36-04:00Nets take down Raptors with 101-97 victory
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AqUBADy8mw-weQJ03Dg9m38ZeZU=/0x21:4000x2688/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29856849/20140310_ajl_sh4_272.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A highly anticipated, Atlantic Division matchup took place at the Barclays Center tonight, as the Nets went up against the division leading Raptors. With a loss, the division title could almost be eliminated from the Nets equation this season.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Brooklyn Nets</a> are on the rise. They entered Monday's game with the Raptors winners of five of their last six, with a 31-30 record. But they were going up against the division leading <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Raptors</a> in hopes of narrowing their four-game deficit in the Atlantic Division standings. This matchup has posed problems for the Nets all season, as the Raptors have won two of the last three games they've played against each other this year.</p>
<p>So far, this was the biggest game of the year. It was crunch time in the Brooklyn Nets season.</p>
<p><i>Injury notes: <span>Kevin Garnett</span> missed his seventh straight game due to back spasms. <span>Andrei Kirilenko</span> sat out as well due to an ankle sprain. The Nets are 9-20 when Kirilenko sits. <span>Paul Pierce</span>, who's been dealing with a nagging shoulder injury, suited up tonight.</i></p>
<p>Despite all that, the Nets cut into the Raptors Atlantic Division lead with a 101-97 victory over Toronto, led by Pierce, the man who no one, including Jason Kidd expected to play. They now trail just three games in the Atlantic Division.</p>
<p>The Nets were put in a difficult situation the second they heard their two best defensive players would be out. It was very clear that defense had holes in the first quarter. The Raptors' were exploiting these holes, behind the likes of <span>Terrence Ross</span>, who finished the quarter with 12 points. On the defensive side, the Raptors held the Nets to 40% shooting, leading Brooklyn 30-19 after the first quarter.</p>
<p>Down 11 to start the second quarter meant it was catch up time for the Nets. Not how they envisioned the start to their most important game of the year.</p>
<p>Catch up they needed, catch up they did. Through the entire quarter, the Nets were inching their way back into the game. The Raptors led by as much as 12, before the Nets came storming back with a 14-6 advantage to end the quarter.</p>
<p>The score at halftime: 51-50 in favor of the Raptors. The Nets owned the second quarter with a 31-21 scoring advantage, heading into the second half with great momentum. Despite being held scoreless in the second quarter, Terrence Ross still led all scorers with 12 points.</p>
<p><i>Quick first half stat: Behind Alan Anderson's eight points, the Nets bench played a huge contribution in the comeback, combining for 21 of the 50 first half points.</i></p>
<p>The third quarter started off in a chess match -- back & forth, exchanging buckets, until finally the Nets gained their biggest lead of the game (4) a little less than six minutes into the quarter. The three from <span>Joe Johnson</span> ignited a little more than a four point lead, as the Nets hit three more three-pointer's to suddenly find a 13 point lead, behind the lead of <span>Deron Williams</span> and Joe Johnson.</p>
<p>The big lead didn't last long. The Raptors answered with a 11-0 run of their own, ending the quarter with a 13-5 scoring advantage. Through three quarters, the Nets led: 78-73.</p>
<p>The playoff-like atmosphere continued in the fourth quarter. A fast-paced game with a loud Barclays crowd, the Nets and their fans knew this was the most important 12 minutes of the season.</p>
<p>Halfway through the quarter, Deron Williams who led all scorers in the fourth, picked up his fifth foul. The foul sent Williams to the bench earlier than usual, forcing <span>Jason Kidd</span> to pick his options off the bench.</p>
<p>As they reached the late stages of the quarter, the teams were yet again exchanging buckets. It was 94-94 with two minutes remaining. "Brooklyn" chants were raining down from the crowd. As the shot clock was winding down, Deron Williams penetrated and kicked to a contested Pierce who knocked down the biggest shot of the game. They don't call him "The Truth" for nothing. The score was 97-94, still, a whole 1:14 remaining.</p>
<p>The score was 97-96 with 22 seconds. It was then the Nets identity came into play. With a one point lead, Pierce came up with his fifth steal of the game, leading to two converted free throws from <span>Shaun Livingston</span>. On the other end, Kyle Lowry took a contested shot which he missed, eventually leading to a 101-97 Nets victory. The victory puts the Nets just three games behind the division leading Raptors.</p>
<p>Deron Williams and Shaun Livingston led the Nets with 18 points apiece, but behind Paul Pierce's five steals, the Nets escaped this game with a trilling victory. It was one of the best -- if not the best victory of the year.</p>
<p>The Nets will be back on the road this Wednesday, where they face off against Lebron James and the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a>.</p>
<p>For more on the Raptors, check them out at <a href="http://www.raptorshq.com/">Raptors HQ</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20140310/TORBKN/gameinfo.html?ls=slt">Raptors at Nets Boxscore </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/10/5493388/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-toronto-raptors-7-30-pm">Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors, 7:30 PM</a> - NetsDaily</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/10/5492204/2nd-half-game-thread-raptors-at-nets">2nd Half Game Thread: Raptors at Nets </a>- NetsDaily</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/10/0021300944-tor-bkn-1h.nba">Raptors vs. Nets: First half (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/10/0021300944-tor-bkn-play1.nba">Poster Time (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/10/0021300944-tor-bkn-play2.nba">Scoop It Up and In (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/10/0021300944-tor-bkn-play3.nba">Plumlee Hits the Boards (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31498387&topic_id=39660478&tcid=vpp_copy_31498387&v=3">Post Game Plus: Nets defeat Raptors, 101-97 (Video)</a> - Ryan Ruocco - YES Network</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31498367">Williams on big win over Raptors (Video)</a> - Chris Shearn - YES Network</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31498379&topic_id=&tcid=vpp_copy_31498379&v=3">Blatche discusses Nets' dramatic win over Raptors (Video)</a> - YES Network</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31498373&topic_id=39099298&tcid=vpp_copy_31498373&v=3">Kidd on Nets' win over Raptors (Video)</a> - YES Network<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/highlight-mason-plumlee-throws-down-major-slam/">HIGHLIGHT: Mason Plumlee throws down major slam (Video)</a> - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/highlight-out-here-blatchin/">HIGHLIGHT: Andray Blatche With A Filthy Crossover On Tyler Hansbrough! (Video)</a> - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2014/03/nets_16.html">Deron Williams, Shaun Livingston power Nets over Raptors, 101-97</a> - AP</li>
<li> <a href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2014/03/11/pierce-cares-not-about-your-hand-in-his-face/" target="_blank">Pierce cares not about your hand in his face</a> - John Schuhmann - NBA.com<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/s-bondy-hope-afloat-atlantic-paul-article-1.1717355">Despite bad shoulder, Paul Pierce is all in for the Nets with hope still aloat in Atlantic Division</a> - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/pierce-shoulders-pain-nets-beat-raptors-article-1.1717239">Paul Pierce shoulders pain to help Nets beat first-place Raptors, 101-97</a> - Mitch Abramson - New York Daily News</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-insider-back-garnett-sidelines-article-1.1717361">Nets scratch Kevin Garnett just before tip-off </a> - Mitch Abramson - New York Daily News</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/news/paul-pierce-returns-to-play-hero-as-nets-upend-raptors-1.7350320">Paul Pierce returns to play hero as Nets upend Raptors</a> - Barbara Barker- Newsday</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/paul-pierce-shoulders-pain-and-plays-against-raptors-1.7349443">Paul Pierce shoulders pain and plays against Raptors</a> - Barbara Barker - Newsday</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/11/sports/basketball/nets-hang-on-and-cut-into-the-raptors-lead.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0">Nets Hang On and Cut Into the Raptors’ Lead</a> - Andrew Keh - New York Times</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/Nets_beat_Raptors_101-97_to_close_gap_in_Atlantic_race.html">Nets knock off Raptors, 101-97, to close gap in Atlantic race</a> - Andy Vasquez - The Record</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/249388041_Nets_notes__Barclays_becoming_home_advantage.html">Nets notes: Barclays becoming home advantage</a> - Andy Vasquez - The Record</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://nypost.com/2014/03/11/pierce-comes-up-big-when-brooklyn-needed-him-most/">Pierce comes up big when Brooklyn needed him most</a> - Mike Vaccaro - New York Post<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://nypost.com/2014/03/10/nets-knock-off-first-place-raptors-close-in-on-top-spot/">Nets knock off first-place Raptors, close in on top spot</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://nypost.com/2014/03/10/nets-rewind-the-real-on-court-value-of-jason-collins/">Nets rewind: The real on-court value of Jason Collins</a> - Tom Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304704504579431993018709278?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304704504579431993018709278.html">Nets Are Gaining on the Raptors</a> - Alex Raskin - Wall Street Journal</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304704504579431560493669386?mod=WSJ_NY_Sports_LEFTTopStories&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304704504579431560493669386.html%3Fmod%3DWSJ_NY_Sports_LEFTTopStorie">With Smaller Lineup, Nets Forgo Rebounds and Look for Turnovers</a> - Alex Raskin - Wall Street Journal</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/16818/rapid-reaction-nets-101-raptors-97">Rapid Reaction: Nets 101, Raptors 97</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/16823/truth-hurts-raptors-with-latest-big-shot">Truth hurts Raptors with latest big shot</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/16814/ginger-garnett-exits-minutes-before-tip">Ginger Garnett exits minutes before tip</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://snynets.com/nets/final-score-nets-101-raptors-97/">Final Score: Nets 101, Raptors 97</a> - Brian Erni - SNY Nets</li>
<li> <a href="http://snynets.com/nets/quote-raptors-head-coach-believes-nets-can-go-all-the-way/" target="_blank">Quote: Raptors’ head coach believes Nets can go all the way</a> - Brian Erni - SNY Nets<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://snynets.com/nets/paul-pierce-showed-why-the-nets-brought-him-here/">Paul Pierce showed why the Nets brought him here</a> - Jon Presser - SNY Nets<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/03/11/lichtenstein-heres-the-truth-few-can-match-toughness-of-paul-pierce/">Here’s The Truth–Few Can Match Toughness Of Paul Pierce</a> - Steve Lichtenstein - WFAN<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/u-s-a-nets-101-raptors-97-game-grades/">"U-S-A": Nets 101, Raptors 97 (GAME GRADES) </a>- Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2014/03/10/raptors_fall_nets_play_like_kidds_job_on_line_kelly.html">Raptors fall, Nets play like Kidd’s job on line: Kelly</a> - Cathal Kelly - Toronto Star<br>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/10/5492370/nets-raptors--final-score-recapAnthony Puccio2014-03-10T20:40:52-04:002014-03-10T20:40:52-04:002nd Half Game Thread: Raptors at Nets
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Nsui5P7ONc2X0Fas6C2GHkksY1g=/0x183:4000x2850/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29824583/20140111_mta_bt2_162.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Raptors</a> lead the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nets</a> 51-50.</p>
<p><span>Terrence Ross</span> leads all scorers with 12 points.</p>
<p>For more on the Raptors, check them out at <a href="http://www.raptorshq.com/">Raptors HQ</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/10/5493388/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-toronto-raptors-7-30-pm">Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors, 7:30 PM</a> - NetsDaily</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20140310/TORBKN/gameinfo.html?ls=slt">Raptors at Nets Boxscore </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/10/0021300944-tor-bkn-play1.nba">Poster Time (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/10/5492204/2nd-half-game-thread-raptors-at-netsAnthony Puccio2014-03-10T19:27:35-04:002014-03-10T19:27:35-04:00Game Thread: Nets vs. Raptors, 7:30 PM
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8cDKQVNTUKfjZRnz0xkv90eP4zs=/0x1031:2909x2970/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29821669/20140307_rnb_ss9_116.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Spo</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>TV:</strong> YES<br><strong>Radio:</strong> WFAN</p>
<p>Catch up on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Raptors</a> at <a href="http://www.raptorshq.com/">Raptors HQ</a><a href="http://www.raptorshq.com/">Raptors HQ</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>
<table class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" align="center" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5"><tbody> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver">Game 62</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center> <a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/557322/tor_current.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Tor_current_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/557322/tor_current_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1394493707203"> </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>35-26<br>17-14 on the road</center></td> <th align="center" width="20"></th> <td width="240"><center>31-30<br>19-11 at home</center></td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>March 10 , 2014</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>Barclays Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>7:30 p.m. ET</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>TV: YES Radio: WFAN</strong></td></tr> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Probable Starters</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><p>Kyle Lowry</p></td> <th align="center" width="20">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Deron Williams</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>DeMar DeRozan</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>Terrence Ross</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>Amir Johnson</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>Jonas Valanciunas</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">C</th> <td width="240"><span>Mason Plumlee</span></td> </tr> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Previous Meeting</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">Jan. 27, 2014</td> <td colspan="2"> <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/27/5352126/nets-raptors-final-score-recap-2014" target="_blank">Raptors 104, Nets 103</a><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/12/31/5262046/nets-spurs-final-score-recap-2013" target="_blank"></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"></td> <td colspan="2"></td> </tr> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats/">2013-14 Advanced Stats</a></strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">91.9 (24)<br> </td> <th align="center" width="20">Pace</th> <td width="240">91.8 (25)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">107.7 (10)<br> </td> <th align="center" width="20">ORtg</th> <td width="240">105.1 (20)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">104.2 (7)<br> </td> <th align="center" width="20">DRtg</th> <td width="240">107.0 (18)</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/10/5493388/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-toronto-raptors-7-30-pmTom Lorenzo2014-03-10T18:45:09-04:002014-03-10T18:45:09-04:00Pierce, IN; Kirilenko OUT; KG a late scratch
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MpOK-8fbNWx8iqHyu3zr4mLRGKU=/0x400:2667x2178/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29819633/20140309_mta_ag9_165.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><b>UPDATE: </b>After having said pre-game that Kevin Garnett will return to the lineup, Kidd has scratched KG a few moments before the start of the game in place of Mason Plumlee. This will be his sixth straight miss.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Kevin Garnett has been scratched from the lineup. Guessing his back flared up in warmups.</p>
— Stefan Bondy (@NYDNInterNets) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYDNInterNets/statuses/443168600468508673">March 10, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><b>EARLIER:</b></p>
<p>Good news for the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Brooklyn Nets</a>, as <span>Kevin Garnett</span> will return to the lineup tonight after having missed the last five games with back spasms. The Nets went 4-1 in that span.</p>
<p>Also, <span>Paul Pierce</span>, who injured his shoulder on Sunday night against the <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kings</a>, will play tonight against the <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Raptors</a>.</p>
<p>The bad news, though, is that <span>Andrei Kirilenko</span> will NOT play because of an ankle sprain. He is listed as day-to-day.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Kidd says Pierce, Garnett will play. Kirilenko will be out.</p>
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimBontemps/statuses/443140884604133378">March 10, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>The Nets are looking to inch closer to the top of the Atlantic Division tonight against the first place Raptors.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/16814/ginger-garnett-exits-minutes-before-tip" target="_blank">Ginger Garnett exits minutes before tip</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/16808/pierce-garnett-back-in-lineup-kirilenko-out">Pierce, Garnett back in lineup; Kirilenko out</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-insider-back-garnett-sidelines-article-1.1717361" target="_blank">Nets scratch Kevin Garnett just before tip-off </a> - Mitch Abramson - New York Daily News<br>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/10/5493280/paul-pierce-kevin-garnett-raptors-andrei-kirilenko-injury-updateTom Lorenzo2014-03-10T10:00:04-04:002014-03-10T10:00:04-04:00Critical Atlantic Division matchup in Brooklyn
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EcykBZa9YSM2Wsrt5Cd5DPpaCuI=/0x9:4000x2676/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29730973/20140302_jla_sx9_109.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>That went well. After losing to Boston on Friday night, Brooklyn returned home and <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/9/5489118/banged-up-nets-handle-kings104-89">beat up</a> on Sacramento. The <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nets</a> are back over the .500 mark, 1.5 games behind Washington for the fifth seed and three games ahead of Charlotte for the sixth seed. The Nets play the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> on Saturday night.</p>
<p>Coming into the Barclays this Monday evening will be the division leading Toronto Raptors. The Raptors are also on the second night of a back-to-back and like the Nets, they won last night, <a href="http://www.raptorshq.com/2014/3/10/5489712/rapid-recap-raptors-ride-lowrys-triple-double-to-win-over-wolves-111">beating</a> <span>Minnesota 111-104.</span></p>
<p>This is the fourth and final meeting between these two teams. Toronto leads the season series two games to one, and a win will make it that much more difficult for Brooklyn to win the division.</p>
<h3>The season so far</h3>
<p>What's going on with these teams? The numbers will tell the tale:</p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>2013-2014</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>Brooklyn</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>Toronto</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>Record</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">31-30</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">35-26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>Pace</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">94.13</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">94.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>Offensive Efficiency</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">103</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">104.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>Defensive Efficiency</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">103.9</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">101</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>Offensive Rebounding percentage</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">21.8</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">27.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>Turnover rate</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">15.3</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">14.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>Assist rate</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">16.7</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">16.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>Rebound rate</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">47</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">50.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>Free throw rate</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">31.2</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">30.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>Effective Field Goal percentage</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">50.3</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">49.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="213" valign="top">
<p>Opponent Effective Field Goal percentage</p>
</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">50.4</td>
<td width="213" valign="top">48.7</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>It's never a good time to experience injuries, but they hurt even more when you enter a tough stretch of games. During the Sacramento game, <span>Paul Pierce</span> had to leave after injuring his right shoulder and <span>Andrei Kirilenko</span> exited after injuring his ankle. They're both day-to-day. <span>Kevin Garnett</span> missed another game yesterday and there hasn't been an update on his status.</p>
<p>The point guard matchup between <span>Deron Williams</span> & Kyle Lowry figures to be top notch. Williams is coming off another good game, scoring 10 points and handing out seven assists with no turnovers. Deron has been great this half, & I think his lack of turnovers has been the biggest benefit to Brooklyn. Since the break, he's cut his turnovers per game in half and has shot a true shooting percentage of 58.4. He's rounded back into form & with the Nets entering a difficult portion of the schedule, it's a good sign that Williams is playing at a high level. Deron's also out to avenge his poor game against the Raptors in late January that ended with his turnover in the final seconds.</p>
<p>If Paul Pierce is unavailable or limited, look for <span>Marcus Thornton</span> to fill the void. Thornton had a great game coming off the bench against his former team, scoring 27 points in 28 minutes. The Nets offense tends to stagnate on occasion, so having Thornton out there will help the cause.</p>
<p>On the other side, Lowry has been having another great season. The Raptors guard had a triple double last night, scoring 20 points, grabbing 12 rebounds & handing out 11 assists against <span>Ricky Rubio</span> & the Wolves. On the season, he's averaging 16.8 points, 7.7 assists & 4.6 rebounds a night. He also had a big night when the teams played in Brooklyn so he'll be looking to do it again.</p>
<p>The Nets' lack of rebounding could prove fatal come playoff time, but they'll survive it if they continue to force turnovers at a high rate. Last night they forced Sacramento into 24 turnovers after getting 25 against Boston on Friday. And much like the <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Celtics</a> game, Brooklyn was thoroughly outclassed on the glass by the <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kings</a> (thanks in large part to <span>DeMarcus Cousins</span>' 20 rebounds).</p>
<p>Brooklyn's lack of success on the glass could hurt them against Toronto. The Raptors have been one of the league's best on the glass, snatching up close to 51 percent of the rebounds available. Along with that, in the two games that they've won over the Nets, Toronto won the rebounding battle as well. If Garnett is out, Jonas Valancianus is in line to have another big game. In the last meeting, Jonas scored 20 points & picked up 13 rebounds in 31:44 of action.</p>
<h3>Player to watch: <span>DeMar DeRozan</span>
</h3>
<p>After struggling during his first couple of seasons, DeRozan has really come into his own. This season, he's averaging a career high 22.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists a game. Since the big <span>Rudy Gay</span> trade in December, DeRozan has averaged 23.4 points on a true shooting percentage of 52.9. Going into the season, there were plenty of critiques of his play and whether he was a player actually worth building around. Here's Raptors HQ's Mohamed Mohamed with <a href="http://www.raptorshq.com/2013/6/14/4429650/demar-derozan-mike-conley-tyreke-evans-and-complexities-of-young-nba-talent">more</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>And now we hit DeMar DeRozan, a guy who provided enough production over his previous 3 years to earn himself a four year $38 million dollar deal that's to some </span><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc1f46; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;">Raptors</a> <span>fans is the epitome of the Bryan Colangelo era in Toronto. He's shown incremental improvements in his game that has provided some fans with hope that he'll be worth his new deal over time. He raised his PER from a paltry 12.8 to a near average 14.7. He produced his best WS in his career even though according to Basketball Reference, his similarity score is similar to guys like </span><span>Raymond Felton</span><span> and </span><span>Rodney Stuckey</span><span>.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>With Pierce & Kirilenko hobbled, it'll be up to <span>Shaun Livingston</span> to slow DeRozan down. With the Nets battling injuries, DeRozan would be wise to consistently drive to the basket. Although most of his offense comes from the midrange area, he's been at his best inside the restricted area. Despite his preference for the midrange, he's managed to take over seven free throws a game. With three key players not at 100 percent for Brooklyn, Livingston, Thornton & Deron Williams will have to carry the load in order to even the season series.</p>
<h3>From the Vault</h3>
<p>Head on back to 2008 and watch ex-Raptor Chris Bosh score 40 points against Orlando.</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qU1IuV3lw9A"></iframe> <br id="1394347380471"></p>
<p>More reading: <a href="http://www.raptorshq.com/">Raptors HQ</a></p>
<ul>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/nets.pdf">Brooklyn Nets Game Notes --</a> Brooklyn Nets</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/raptors.pdf">Toronto Raptors Game Notes -</a> Toronto Raptors</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/raptors-nets-preview-053320289--nba.html">Raptors-Nets Preview</a> - Jordan Garretson - STATS LLC</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://nypost.com/2014/03/09/nets-rolling-into-key-atlantic-showdown/">Nets rolling into key Atlantic showdown</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-insider-game-plan-kg-rest-article-1.1716285">Nets plan to give Kevin Garnett more rest</a> - Mitch Abramson - New York Daily News</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/16794/starting-five-tall-order-tonight-vs-toronto?ex_cid=espnapi_public">Starting Five: Tall order tonight vs. Toronto</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/03/10/lichtenstein-time-for-nets-to-make-statement-in-east-is-now/">Brooklyn Nets Looking To Prove They Can Hang With East’s Best</a> - Steve Lichtenstein - WFAN</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2014/03/09/toronto_raptors_at_brooklyn_nets_monday_nba_game_preview.html">Toronto Raptors at Brooklyn Nets: Monday NBA game preview</a> - Doug Smith - Toronto Star<br>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/10/5486828/Nets-raptors-game-preview-brooklyn-Pierce-injury-updateBrian Fleurantin