NetsDaily - Game 65 - Brooklyn Nets vs. Phoenix Suns, 7:30 PMThe most comprehensive source for news about the Brooklyn Nets.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50989/nd-fav.png2014-03-18T11:04:07-04:00http://www.netsdaily.com/rss/stream/52816712014-03-18T11:04:07-04:002014-03-18T11:04:07-04:00In Incredible Season, Livingston Sets Career Highs
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<figcaption>Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
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<p>"He's a great person on and off the court and he deserves everything that he's been recognized for," <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> head coach <span>Jason Kidd</span> said of <span>Shaun Livingston</span> after the team's 108-95 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> on Monday night.</p>
<p>After having played just under 32 minutes and scoring 12 points in the Nets' 34th win of the season, Livingston set two career highs in minutes played in a season (1,617) and points scored in a season (506). Previously, he sets highs in minutes played (1,611) and points (503) in the 2006-07 season when he played for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a>. Of course that was before the collective NBA community wondered if Livingston would ever suit up and play in the Association after he suffered what was assumed to be a career-ending injury on February 26, 2007.</p>
<p>Livingston has already set career-bests in starts and has been a major part in the Nets' resurgence since the turn of the calendar year, to a point where Kidd opted to use Livingston as a starter even when <span>Deron Williams</span> returned from injury.</p>
<p>"I'm blessed, obviously, coming this far," Livingston said after Monday night's game. "Coming this far, I appreciate every minute. Every minute I'm out there I'm very appreciative and thankful for my journey and just trying to keep on."</p>
<p>Livingston said that he didn't know his minutes were "getting up there," saying that Jason Kidd did tell him at the All-Star break that his minutes were climbing and trending toward a career-high. Kidd admitted after the game he "may be playing him too much," while Livingston responded that he doesn't think there's such thing as playing too many minutes.</p>
<p>As Kidd notes, Livingston's story is "incredible," later saying, "I couldn't ask for a better player to coach and to be around." I can't speak to the latter, but in covering the NBA you rarely "root" for individual players -- it's a business, it's your job, it's not personal -- but in being around Livingston, even the limited capacity that I am, it's hard not to root for him and be in complete awe as he's triumphed over tragedy.</p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/18/5521822/shaun-livingston-sets-career-highs-against-sunsTom Lorenzo2014-03-17T21:55:35-04:002014-03-17T21:55:35-04:00Behind Williams' 28 points, Nets beat Suns 108-95
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Brooklyn Nets were up against the Phoenix Suns Monday night on St.Patrick's day, as the Nets looked to grab some luck of their own and pick themselves up after a rough loss in Washington.</p> <p><a href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?topic_id=39660478" target="_blank">Nets Post Game Plus (Video)</a>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Nets</a> are coming off a very disappointing road loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a>. The game was a battle for the fifth seed, one that looked to be in the Nets control heading into the fourth quarter. But, behind lack of offensive execution in the last six minutes of the game, the Nets couldn't hold on.</p>
<p>Monday night, the Nets were back home where they welcomed the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> to Brooklyn. In the previous matchup between the two teams, the Nets won an exhilarating game, off a <span>Joe Johnson</span> game-winning layup. If the Nets expect to increase their seed in the Eastern Conference, these remaining games are crucial.</p>
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<p>The Nets were yet again without <span>Kevin Garnett</span> due to back spasms. Jason Kidd announced he will miss the next three games.</p>
<p>Behind a 28 point outburst from Deron Williams, the Nets cruised to a big 108-95 victory over the Suns in Brooklyn. The win makes the Nets 16-2 since December 26th, while winning their ninth straight at home.</p>
<p>The Nets certainly didn't pick up the awful fourth quarter from Saturday night. Instead, they got off to a quick start in the early stages of this game. Their aggressive defense led to easy points on the offensive side of the ball.</p>
<p>Behind a robust 70% shooting quarter for Brooklyn, they had a solid 30-20 lead after the first quarter. They grabbed five steals, which led to nine fast break points. The epitome how they have been playing of late. <span>Paul Pierce</span> and <span>Deron Williams</span> scored seven apiece, while <span>Shaun Livingston</span> chipped in a quick six points.</p>
<p><span>Jorge Gutierrez</span>, who was just recently signed to a second 10-day contract, got some quality time, logging a little under five minutes in the first quarter.</p>
<p>The second quarter started off with the same, consistent pace as the first quarter. It looked to be that way anyway, when finally the Suns cut their deficit down to six after an emphatic <span>Gerald Green</span> dunk, a familiar face for many New Jersey Nets fans. The crowd was stunned, and it looked like the Suns gained all the momentum.</p>
<p>But, from that point on, the Nets answered with an 8-0 run of their own, while owning a 32-29 second quarter scoring advantage. The Nets scored a solid 62 points, leading the Suns, 62-49. The team shot a combined 68% (27-40) from the field in the first half.</p>
<p>Deron Williams and Gerald Green led all scorers with 15 points each.</p>
<p><i>Quick first half stat: The Nets tallied a combined eight steals, while the Suns had six steals of their own. Along with that, the Nets scored 48 points in the paint. Their highest in a full game this season: 58.</i></p>
<p>It took the Nets just three minutes to find their biggest lead of the night. They were up 20 after seven straight points from Joe Johnson, and an overall 9-2 run to start the second half. It looked like the Nets were headed to yet another victory at home.</p>
<p>The Suns came sprinting back in this game, as they kept chipping away and eventually went on a 14-3 run, cutting their deficit down to just nine with four minutes remaining in the third quarter.</p>
<p>That didn't last very long either.</p>
<p>After a timeout from <span>Jason Kidd</span>, the Nets went on a 14-0 run of their own, leading the Suns 90-67. The 23 point lead was the Nets' biggest of the night. They owned a 90-72 lead heading into the fourth quarter, behind Joe Johnson's team high 19 points. All Nets' starters were in double figures.</p>
<p><span>Mirza Teletovic</span>, whose been a key role player off the bench for Brooklyn, didn't get any time through the first three quarters of play.</p>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">Once again, the Suns cut the deficit down to 12, just to see Deron Williams hit two consecutive shots lead to a comfortable 17 point lead for the Nets. With 6:32 remaining in the game, Nets fans finally got what they've been asking for all season: a Deron Williams dunk. The first of the year.</p>
<div>From that moment on, the Nets were prepared to win their ninth straight home victory, while improving their home record to 16-2 since December 26th. The team shot an astounding 59% from the field, their best of the season. They also grabbed 12 steals.</div>
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<div>Deron Williams led all scorers with 28 points on a very efficient, 11-13 shooting. Despite not playing at all in the fourth quarter, Joe Johnson chipped in 19 points, along with <span>Mason Plumlee</span> scoring 14 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.</div>
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<div>Final score: Nets 108, Suns 95.</div>
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<p>The Nets improve their record to 34-31, and fall just 0.5 game out of fifth place in the Eastern Conference. With the way they're playing at home, Brooklyn is certainly not a destination teams will be looking forward to playing, come playoff time.</p>
<p>The Nets look for their tenth straight home victory this Wednesday, where they welcome the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte Bobcats</a> to Brooklyn.</p>
<p>For more on the Phoenix Suns, check them out at <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Bright Side Of The Sun</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/17/5519856/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-phoenix-suns-7-30-pm">Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Phoenix Suns, 7:30 PM </a>- NetsDaily</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/17/5518670/2nd-half-game-thread-suns-at-nets">2nd Half Game Thread: Suns at Nets </a>- NetsDaily</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/17/0021300998-phx-bkn-1h.nba">Suns vs. Nets: First half (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20140317/PHXBKN/gameinfo.html?ls=slt">Suns at Nets Boxscore </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/17/0021300998-phx-bkn-play1.nba">Perfectly Timed Pass (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/17/0021300998-phx-bkn-play2.nba">Steal and Score (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/17/0021300998-phx-bkn-play3.nba">Blatche's Double-Fake (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?topic_id=39660478" target="_blank">Nets Post Game Plus (Video)</a> - Chris Shearn - YES Network</li>
<li> <a href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31571545" target="_blank">Williams on his performance in win over Suns (Video)</a> - Sarah Kustok - YES Network</li>
<li> <a href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31571635" target="_blank">Kidd discusses Nets 108-95 win over Suns (Video)</a> - YES Network</li>
<li> <a href="http://web.yesnetwork.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=31571713" target="_blank">Plumlee on his comfort level after win over Suns (Video)</a> - YES Network</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/highlight-deron-williams-dunk/">HIGHLIGHT: Deron Williams Dunks! </a>- The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/highlight-gerald-green-posterizes-mason-plumlee/">HIGHLIGHT: Gerald Green Posterizes Mason Plumlee </a>- The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/highlight-deron-cross/">HIGHLIGHT: Deron's Dirty Crossover+Eurostep On Gerald Green!</a> - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/highlight-blatche-overload/">HIGHLIGHT: Today In Blatcheness, Blatche Blatches Alex Len</a> - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/highlight-mason-plumlee-dunks-miles-plumlee/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter">HIGHLIGHT: Plumlee On Plumlee Violence </a>- The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/williams-scores-28-nets-cruise-020304084--nba.html" target="_blank">Williams scores 28 as Nets cruise by Suns 108-95 </a>- Brian Mahoney - AP</li>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://nypost.com/2014/03/17/deron-leads-nets-to-108-95-win-over-suns/">Deron Williams dunks (maybe) as Nets stop Suns</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/pep-step-deron-leads-nets-suns-article-1.1724973">Deron Williams scores 28 points to lead red-hot Brooklyn Nets past Phoenix Suns </a>- Stefan Bondy - NY Daily News</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/18/sports/basketball/nets-miss-garnett-but-keep-winning-without-him.html?ref=sports" target="_blank">Nets Miss Garnett But Keep Winning Without Him</a> - Andrew Keh - NY Times</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/news/deron-williams-leads-nets-to-ninth-straight-home-victory-1.7421442?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Deron Williams leads Nets to ninth straight home victory</a> - Rod Boone - Newsday</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/16979/rapid-reaction-nets-108-suns-95">Rapid Reaction: Nets 108, Suns 95 </a>- Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10626126&ex_cid=espnapi_public">D-Will Drops 28 In Win Over Suns (Video)</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/solar-eclipse-nets-108-suns-95-game-grades/">Solar Eclipse: Nets 108, Suns 95 (GAME GRADES) </a>- The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/nets-blow-past-fast-paced-suns/">Nets blow past fast-paced Suns </a>- Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://snynets.com/nets/final-score-nets-108-suns-95/">Final Score: #Nets 108 #Suns 95 </a>- Brian Erni - SNY Nets</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/nba/2014/03/17/nets-beat-suns-five-starters-score-double-figures/">Nets beat Suns as all five starters score in double figures</a> - Larry Fleisher - Metro</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/nets-exploit-match-up-against-suns">Nets exploit match-up against Suns </a>- Greg Hrinya - Examiner.com</li>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://fromrussiawithdunk.com/2014/03/17/deron-williams-stars-nets-eclipse-suns/">Deron Williams Stars as Nets Eclipse Suns </a>- Jonah Mars - From Russia With Dunk</li>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/williams-scores-28-nets-beat-025925554--nba.html">Williams scores 28 as Nets beat Suns -</a> Joe Pantomo - Sports Xchange</li>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://brooklynfans.com/nets-d-will-burn-suns/">Nets, D-Will burn Suns </a>- Jason Schott - BrooklynFans.com</li>
<li> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azcentral.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnba%2Fsuns%2F2014%2F03%2F18%2Fsibling-rivalry-drives-plumlees-success%2F6554469%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netsdaily.com%2F2014%2F3%2F17%2F5518686%2Fnets-suns-recap-final-score-2014" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Sibling rivalry drives Plumlees' success</a> - Arizona Republic</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/3/17/5520158/recap-veteran-brooklyn-nets-school-defensively-challenged-phoenix">Recap: Veteran Brooklyn Nets School Defensively Challenged Phoenix Suns, 108-95 </a>- Mike Lisboa - Bright Side Of The Sun</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/17/5518686/nets-suns-recap-final-score-2014Anthony Puccio2014-03-17T20:39:07-04:002014-03-17T20:39:07-04:002nd Half Game Thread: Suns at Nets
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<figcaption>Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
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<p>The <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nets</a> lead the Suns at the half 62-49.</p>
<p><span>Gerald Green</span> & <span>Deron Williams</span> lead all scorers with 15 points each.</p>
<p>For more on the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a>, check them out at <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Bright Side Of The Sun</a>.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/17/5519856/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-phoenix-suns-7-30-pm">Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Phoenix Suns, 7:30 PM </a>- NetsDaily</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20140317/PHXBKN/gameinfo.html?ls=slt">Suns at Nets Boxscore</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/17/0021300998-phx-bkn-play1.nba">Perfectly Timed Pass (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/17/0021300998-phx-bkn-play2.nba">Steal and Score (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/17/5518670/2nd-half-game-thread-suns-at-netsAnthony Puccio2014-03-17T19:00:03-04:002014-03-17T19:00:03-04:00Game Thread: Nets vs. Suns, 7:30 PM
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p><strong>TV:</strong> YES<br><strong>Radio:</strong> WFAN</p>
<p>Catch up on the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Suns</a> at <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Bright Side Of The Sun</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 cellspacing="5" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table"><tbody> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3">Game 65</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center> <a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/522348/phx_current.gif" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/522348/phx_current_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Phx_current_medium"></a> </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>38-28<br>16-15 on the road</center></td> <th width="20" align="center"></th> <td width="240"><center>33-31<br>20-11 at home</center></td> </tr> <tr><td bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3"><strong>March 107, 2014</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Barclays Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>7:30 p.m. ET</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>TV: YES Radio: WFAN</strong></td></tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Probable Starters</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><p><span>Goran Dragic</span></p></td> <th width="20" align="center">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Deron Williams</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Eric Bledsoe</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">SG</th> <td width="240"><span>Shaun Livingston</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>P.J. Tucker</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>Channing Frye</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>Miles Plumlee</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">C</th> <td width="240"><span>Mason Plumlee</span></td> </tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Previous Meeting</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"></td> <td colspan="2"> <br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/12/31/5262046/nets-spurs-final-score-recap-2013"></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"></td> <td colspan="2"></td> </tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3"><strong><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats/" target="_blank">2013-14 Advanced Stats</a></strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">95.9 (6)<br> </td> <th width="20" align="center">Pace</th> <td width="240">91.7 (25)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">109.5 (8)<br> </td> <th width="20" align="center">ORtg</th> <td width="240">105.4 (18)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">106.8 (15)<br> </td> <th width="20" align="center">DRtg</th> <td width="240">107.0 (16)</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/17/5519856/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-phoenix-suns-7-30-pmTom Lorenzo2014-03-17T18:06:38-04:002014-03-17T18:06:38-04:00Garnett Out this week, to be reevaluated Saturday
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<figcaption>Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>BROOKLYN - <span>Jason Kidd</span> announced that <span>Kevin Garnett</span> will miss "the rest of this wee" and will be "re-evaluated on Saturday." That means Garnett will miss Monday's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Suns</a>, Wednesday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Bobcats</a> and Friday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Celtics</a>.</p>
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<p>Kidd said they'll reevaluate Kevin Garnett on Saturday. He'll be out the rest of this week. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Nets&src=hash">#Nets</a></p>
— Tom Lorenzo (@TomLorenzo) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomLorenzo/statuses/445678861423247360">March 17, 2014</a>
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<p>Kidd went on to say that there have been no "setbacks" regarding Garnett's back spasms. Garnett has been listed as day-to-day, and in missing Monday night's game that will be his 9th straight DNP.</p>
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<p>Jason Kidd said Garnett is out until Saturday -- and he'll be re-evaluated after that. He said there wasnt a setback.</p>
— Stefan Bondy (@NYDNInter<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Nets</a>) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYDNInterNets/statuses/445679126767484928">March 17, 2014</a>
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<p>The Nets will determine on Saturday whether or not Garnett will travel with the team for their upcoming roadtrip.</p>
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<p>Kevin Garnett is out through Friday's game vs. Boston. He'll be reevaluated Saturday, before trip to Dallas, New Orleans & Charlotte.</p>
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_vasquez/statuses/445679507375411200">March 17, 2014</a>
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<p>The Nets are 6-2 since Garnett went down with back spasms, with <span>Mason Plumlee</span> filling in at center. Kidd said before Monday's game that the team's motto has been "next guy up," before naming Plumlee, <span>Andray Blatche</span>, <span>Andrei Kirilenko</span> and <span>Jason Collins</span> as guys who have stepped up and filled in for Garnett.</p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/17/5519820/kevin-garnett-injury-update-back-spasmsTom Lorenzo2014-03-17T10:33:48-04:002014-03-17T10:33:48-04:00KG OUT vs Suns
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/z1opzKNCue1zhE8aeHkL4dcR-2w=/0x70:2667x1848/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30206755/20131223_ajl_ae5_034.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nets</a> announced Monday morning that <span>Kevin Garnett</span> will miss his ninth straight game due to back spasms.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Garnett is out again tonight.</p>
<p>— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimBontemps/statuses/445566973905494017">March 17, 2014</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p>On Saturday in Washington, <span>Jason Kidd</span> seemed hopeful that Garnett would return against the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a>, but it seems that KG's back is not cooperating. Garnett was ruled out just before tip-off last Monday against the <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Raptors</a>.</p>
<p>The Nets starting lineup of <span>Deron Williams</span>/<span>Shaun Livingston</span>/<span>Joe Johnson</span>/<span>Paul Pierce</span>/<span>Mason Plumlee</span> is six-and-two in Garnett's absence.</p>
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https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/17/5518066/kevin-garnett-is-out-vs-the-sunsReed Wallach2014-03-17T08:14:27-04:002014-03-17T08:14:27-04:00Brooklyn returns home to face the Suns
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IEnd6uv5CvtZOBeEszOHLXzq4vc=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30192941/20140306_mjr_su5_021.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>That didn't end well. After beating Miami in Miami on Wednesday night, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Nets</a> went to DC to play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a>. After a great first half, the Nets weren't able to slow down <span>John Wall</span>, <span>Drew Gooden</span> (!!!!!) and the rest of the Wizards in the second half. At 33-31, Brooklyn is one game behind Washington for the fifth seed and 3.5 games behind Toronto for the Atlantic Division lead.</p>
<p>Making the visit to Brooklyn this St. Patrick's Day evening will be the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a>. Going into the season, practically everyone <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2013/10/29/5037064/phoenix-suns-roundtable-season-predictions-eric-bledsoe-goran-dragic">expected </a>the Suns to finish near the bottom of the Western Conference. That belief seemed to strengthened when the Suns <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2013/10/25/5029480/reports-suns-trade-marcin-gortat-shannon-brown-kendall-marshall-to">traded </a>Marcin Gortat right before the start of the season. However, the Suns have <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/3/7/5480910/phoenix-suns-still-stupid-good-surprising-themselves-with-their-own">surprised </a>everyone and are within striking distance of the eighth seed. They have a few tough games left in March, then the difficulty goes all the way up in April. Here's their schedule: home for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a>, at Portland, home for Oklahoma City, at New Orleans, at San Antonio, at Dallas, home for Memphis before closing out in Sacramento. Of that group, only Sacramento and NOLA are out of playoff contention and there are three Championship contenders in that stretch as well. This is the last game of their three game road trip and the second night of a back-to-back after <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/3/16/5514874/recap-phoenix-suns-rediscover-defense-and-rebounding-in-victory-over">beating </a>Toronto on Sunday afternoon.</p>
<p>The last time the Nets played Phoenix, this happened:</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QbHnCPkLhn0" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br id="1394901650395"></p>
<h3>The season so far</h3>
<p>What's the story here? Let's find out:</p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><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>Phoenix</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Record</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">33-31</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">38-28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Pace</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">93.98</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">98.32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Offensive Efficiency</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">103.2</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">106.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Defensive Efficiency</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">104</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">104</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Offensive Rebounding percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">21.7</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">26.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Turnover rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">15.3</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">15.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Assist rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">16.6</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">14.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Rebound rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">47.1</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Free throw rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">31.3</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">29.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Effective Field Goal percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">50.5</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">51.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Opponent Effective Field Goal percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">50.5</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">49.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p><span>Kevin Garnett</span> hopes to make his return on Monday. Garnett hasn't played this month as he has been dealing with <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/1/5459994/kevin-garnett-out-tonight-vs-bucks-due-to-back-spasms">back spasms</a>. Fortunately for Brooklyn, they've gone 6-2 in his absence.</p>
<p>After a solid first half, <span>Deron Williams</span> was thoroughly outplayed by John Wall in the second half (primarily the third quarter) of the game on Saturday night. After playing well for much of the second half, Williams has struggled over the past two games. It doesn't get any easier for him this week as he'll be dealing with the <span>Eric Bledsoe</span>/<span>Goran Dragic</span> combination on Monday, <span>Kemba Walker</span> on Wednesday, and <span>Rajon Rondo</span> on Friday.</p>
<p>It's gonna be a family affair on Monday night. If I'm not mistaken, this is the first game in league history with two sets of brothers appearing in the same game. For Brooklyn, <span>Mason Plumlee</span> has made the most of his opportunities with the Nets this year. On a per 36 minute basis, Mason is averaging 14 points and eight rebounds. He isn't much of a defender at this point in time, but that stands to (hopefully) change as he gains more experience. Big brother Miles gets more playing time and is making the most of his opportunities, averaging close to a double-double a night in about 26 minutes a night. Miles can stand to improve his rim protection, but like Mason, he's already a solid contributor in the league.</p>
<p>Before Bledsoe went down to injury, he was having a hell of a breakout season. In those 24 games, he averaged 18 points, 5.8 assists and 4.3 rebounds a night in 33.5 minutes a game. Bledsoe is at his best when he's driving to the basket, but is starting to expand his range to include three pointers. He's also a strong defender and will work to keep Deron Williams from having a big game.</p>
<p>Along with Bledsoe stands Dragic. Dragic has been the Suns' best player and leads the team in multiple statistical categories. Obviously, it's bad form to leave a jump shooter open, but it takes on even more importance with the Dragon. Friend of the site John Schumann has more <a href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2014/03/11/pierce-cares-not-about-your-hand-in-his-face/">here</a>. <span>Shaun Livingston</span> will be the one responsible for slowing Dragic down. Dragic is a quick guard that loves to drive to the basket and spends a good amount of time at the free throw line. Livingston's length and quickness should work to deter Dragic's drives to the basket and keep him taking contested jumpers.</p>
<h3>Player to watch: <span>Gerald Green</span>
</h3>
<p>The former Net has been having a career year for the Suns. He entered the starting five when Bledsoe tore his meniscus, but now that Bledsoe is back, Green is back in the sixth man role. After his successful stint in New Jersey back in 2011-2012, Green moved on to Indiana. He didn't play as well as expected and was <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/7/27/4563274/luis-scola-trade-miles-plumlee-gerald-green-pacers-suns">moved </a>to Phoenix in the summer. It wasn't <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2013/7/30/4563048/phoenix-suns-luis-scola-trade-bsots-roundtable-">viewed </a>that way at the time, but that trade was the steal of the offseason. With the Suns, Green is averaging close to 16 points and a true shooting percentage of 57.5 in 29 minutes a night. Green is most known for his dunks, but he's most comfortable operating from the perimeter, especially the three point line. What's the best way to describe him? Sean Sullivan over at Bright Side of the Sun does it <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/3/8/5481988/reign-on-phoenix-suns-player-week-goran-dragic-gerald-green-markieff-morris">well</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>I've never seen him in uniform this season. Instead, I've seen one of the most electrifying, incendiary players in the game continuously step up and knock down huge shots to lift the team and rally the fans. Gerald Green has become, in my opinion, the most surprising player in the entire league. Not only has he proven to be a quality starter when thrust into that position in the absence of Eric Bledsoe, he has become one of the Suns' biggest offensive threats.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Green and <span>Joe Johnson</span> will match up on Monday night. Johnson has almost 30 pounds on Green and has been very successful when he heads down to the block. Johnson works best on the left side of the court and that's where the Nets figure to run their plays for him. The Suns are worse defensively with Green on the court, and with Deron Williams in a bit of a slump, look for Johnson to get a lot of shot attempts in this contest. When Green is on offense, he should look to drive to the basket more often than he usually does. With the Nets short on depth in the frontcourt and Mason Plumlee's propensity to commit fouls, it would be in Phoenix's best interest for Green to drive to the basket at every opportunity.</p>
<h3>From the Vault</h3>
<p>This series ended well for Phoenix, but damn...</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-kChbesPOfk" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br id="1394904062380"></p>
<p>More reading: <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Bright Side Of The Sun</a></p>
<ul>
<li><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/nets.pdf">Brooklyn Nets Game Notes --</a> NBA.com</span></li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/suns.pdf">Phoenix Suns Game Notes</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/suns-nets-preview-235849012--nba.html">Suns-Nets Preview </a>- Kevin Chroust - AP</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/03/16/mason-picking-up-garnetts-slack-for-nets/">Plumlee picking up Garnett’s slack for Nets </a>- Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/16952/pregame-notes-nets-vs-suns" target="_blank">Pregame notes: Nets vs. Suns - Brooklyn Nets Blog </a>- Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/battle-plumlees-guards-brooklyn/" target="_blank">Battle of the Plumlees, guards in Brooklyn </a>- Sam Lachow - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://snynets.com/nets/what-to-watch-for-against-the-suns/">What to watch for against the Suns</a> - Brian Erni -<span> SNY Nets</span>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2014/3/17/5517184/preview-phoenix-suns-38-28-go-for-three-in-a-row-vs-brooklyn-nets-33">Preview: Phoenix Suns (38-28) Go For Three in a Row vs. Brooklyn Nets (33-31) </a>- Mike Lisboa - Bright Side Of The Sun</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/17/5512062/the-suns-and-nets-try-to-rise-in-the-playoff-standingsBrian Fleurantin