NetsDaily - NBA Playoffs Game 3 - Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors, 7:00 PMThe most comprehensive source for news about the Brooklyn Nets.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50989/nd-fav.png2014-04-26T12:12:55-04:00http://www.netsdaily.com/rss/stream/54165632014-04-26T12:12:55-04:002014-04-26T12:12:55-04:00Photo Gallery: Nets vs. Raptors Game 3 in Brooklyn
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m3Duh6TAEygXQ0_iBlfdr8ph7uA=/7x0:2034x1351/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32187075/DSC_0822.0.jpg" />
<figcaption><a href='https://www.facebook.com/OPE.Photography'>Alex Paz</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>On Friday night the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> knocked off the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a>, 102-98, in <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/25/5654386/nets-raptors-playoffs-game-3-score-recap-final-2014" target="_blank">Game 3 of their first round playoff matchup</a>. This was the first playoff game at the Barclays Center in 2014, and we had a full team on hand, including <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OPE.Photography" target="_blank">photographer Alex Paz</a>, who captured the sights of the game.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OPE.Photography"><em><strong>All photos by Alex Paz</strong></em></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
<p>Don't forget to enter to win a free hat from the Daily Beat!<script src="//static.punchtab.com/js/pg.js" class="pt-giveaway" data-uuid="0c2fc020-b961-4f8a-8601-48ce77b0bc10"></script></p>
<ul><li> <a href="http://daily-beat.com/rihanna-barclays-center-fans-enjoy-nets-victory-over-raptors/">Rihanna & Barclays Center Fans Enjoy Nets Victory Over Raptors </a>- Daily Beat</li></ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/26/5655800/nba-playoffs-nets-vs-raptors-game-3-brooklyn-photo-galleryTom Lorenzo2014-04-26T08:00:04-04:002014-04-26T08:00:04-04:00Nets vs. Raptors: Game 3 News, Notes and Quotes
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GqFqXnVaRH9lSo0udx7GwDABpvY=/0x230:3000x2230/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32174151/486752013.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Elsa</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>BROOKLYN - The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> took a 2-1 series lead in their first-round playoff matchup over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a> on Friday night, winning 102-98. Joe Johnson scored a team-high 29 points on 11-of-17 shooting, while <span>Deron Williams</span> added 22 points on 7-of-14 shooting in 36 minutes.</p>
<p>Brooklyn will look to take a commanding lead over the Raptors on Sunday night when these teams will get together at the Barclays Center for Game 4. The game will be televised on YES Network and TNT at 7:00 PM.</p>
<p><b>NOTES*:</b></p>
<p>- The Nets have won their last six playoff series (and are 7-1 all-time) when they've held a 2-1 series lead.</p>
<p>- In seven meetings between the Nets and Raptors this season, the Raptors have outscored the Nets 678-677, though the Nets have won four of seven meetings.</p>
<p>- The team that led at halftime has won six of seven games between the Nets and Raptors this season, including their three playoff games.</p>
<p>- The 29 points Joe Johnson scored mark the most points he has scored in 10 playoff games with the Nets.</p>
<p>- Blatche became the first Nets' reserve since 1985-86 to make 8-plus free throws in a playoff game.</p>
<p>- In three games this series, the Nets have committed 31 turnovers (10.3/game) and the Raptors have committed 59 (19.7/game).</p>
<p>- The Nets held the Raptors to under 35 percent shooting from the three-point line for the third straight game (they shot 7-of-22, 31.8 percent).</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<p><b>QUOTES:</b></p>
<p><b><i><span>Jason Kidd</span> on Deron Williams' and <span>Joe Johnson's</span> performance</i>: </b>"Those two are playing extremely well. They're very aggressive. Joe is causing a lot of problems, looking to double-team and trapping, and when he is called, he is just stepping up. Deron's one of those guys, finding <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/british-open">the open</a> guys, he was just aggressive the whole night. Joe's been like this the whole series.</p>
<p><b><i>Jason Kidd on Deron Williams missing the late-game free throws</i>:</b> "He's human. It happens."</p>
<p><b><i>Jason Kidd on the energy in the building</i>: </b>"I thought it was great. The fans were awesome for 48 minutes and we hope for the same on Sunday."</p>
<p><b><i>Jason Kidd on whether or not he's concerned with the way the Raptors made a run with <span>Kevin Garnett</span> on the court</i>:</b> "No. We won the game with him. He gave everything he had, so there's no concern."</p>
<p><i><b>Joe Johnson on his success in the post in Game 3</b></i>: "I was just being patient. Throughout the first half I saw them coming at me with the double-team so I was just trying to make the right play for my teammates and we were rolling early. In the second half, it opened up and I got a couple easy looks.</p>
<p><i><b>Joe Johnson on the team's 4th quarter struggles: </b></i>"Honestly, I think we got a little lackadaisical. I think we were up like 15 with five minutes left, and that's very uncharacteristic of us to blow a lead like that. So (Jason Kidd) will make us look at it and we'll see some things we can improve on and get better at, but that's not us."</p>
<p><i><b>Deron Williams on the 4th quarter struggle:</b></i> "You know, I think again the 4th quarter was our worst defensive quarter...we have the crowd behind us and we got to put our foot on people, and we didn't do that tonight."</p>
<p><i><b>Deron Williams on the crowd reacting to his and Garnett's 2nd quarter hustle play:</b></i> "That's part of playing at home. It happened to us in Toronto. You know, the crowd gets into it after hustle plays, big shots and dunks. We feed off of them, they feed off of us, so I thought our crowd was great tonight and they'll continue to be great.</p>
<p><i><b><span>Shaun Livingston</span> on staying confident after losing 4th quarter lead: </b></i>"We're confident, but I just think tonight, it was the way that we played, the way that we let them back into the game, that's the frustrating and disappointing part....We killed ourselves, so we just have to be better."</p>
<p><b><i><span>Dwane Casey</span> on the matchup problems Deron Williams and Joe Johnson pose:</i></b> "One-on-one, that's the difference. We've got to do a better job of making sure we're getting help there quicker. When we do get it there, we're in pretty good shape in those situations so we've got to make sure we recognize where they are on the floor. They're two great one-on-one players and there's no one guy that's going to guard them by themselves so we've got to make sure we get help there."</p>
<p><i><b>Dwane Casey on Kyle Lowry's status:</b></i> "He banged knees, he's got a sore knee and he got knocked on his knee, a knot on his elbow...a busted nose, busted lip, so he's been in a fifteen-round bout, but he's going to be OK."</p>
<p><i><b><span>Patrick Patterson</span> on the Game 3 officiating:</b></i> "I mean, is that something new? In regards to calls not going our way or us feeling a certain way about referees, it has been taking place all year long. For us to think it is going to change in the playoffs we are fooling ourselves. We have to battle through, we have to fight through and we have to concentrate on ourselves rather than things we cannot control as far as the referees, Brooklyn or even the fans."</p>
<p><i><b><span>DeMar DeRozan</span> on Joe Johnson causing matchup issues:</b></i> "He's a big body, it's tough once he gets you down there and gets his hips on you. He's a very crafty little baller; his floater, you really can't do much to it. Once he gets six, seven feet in there, we've just got to be quicker on the double teams to get the ball out of his hands.</p>
<p><i>*Notes courtesy of Brooklyn Nets PR staff.</i></p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/26/5654926/nba-playoffs-nets-vs-raptors-game-3-news-notes-and-quotesTom Lorenzo2014-04-26T02:47:15-04:002014-04-26T02:47:15-04:00Video: Nets drop Raptors, take 2-1 series lead
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IbXRic18gVWPh75TkuT8do5coBw=/0x1102:2695x2899/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32177049/20140425_ajl_ag9_180.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Brooklyn Nets</a> beat the <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Raptors</a> in Game 3 of their first-round playoff matchup, giving the Nets a 2-1 series lead. <span>Joe Johnson</span> led the way with 29 points, and along with <span>Deron Williams</span> and <span>Paul Pierce</span>, he anchored a Nets team that needed to get this win at home.</p>
<p>NetsDaily videojournalist Dexter Henry and site editor Tom Lorenzo discussed the win and what the Nets need to do to keep the momentum going.</p>
<p><em><strong>Video shot by </strong></em><a href="https://twitter.com/dmenze4"><em><strong>David Menze</strong></em></a><em><strong> and produced and edited by </strong></em><a href="http://www.twitter.com/netsdailyvideo"><em><strong>Dexter Henry</strong></em></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/26/5655206/nba-playoffs-video-brooklyns-backcourt-nets-game-3-raptorsTom Lorenzo2014-04-26T02:39:44-04:002014-04-26T02:39:44-04:00Kevin Garnett has his own 'F--- Brooklyn!' moment
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KfFb1Em93jhn44KlFdCPDMBaMXI=/0x82:2751x1916/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32176949/486722845.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Elsa</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> knocked off the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a> on Friday night, 102-98, to take a 2-1 series lead in their first-round playoff matchup. One narrative being tossed about heading into Game 3 in Brooklyn was whether or not the Nets fans would be as lively and raucous as Raptors fans were in the first two games of the series. Early on, it didn't seem as if they stood a chance.</p>
<p>However, late in the second quarter one after-the-whistle moment from <span>Kevin Garnett</span> got the crowd hyped, loud and on its feet. And from there, things took a turn for the better, and the fans exhibited an energy that carried on throughout the remainder of the game.</p>
<p>The setup is simple. With less than a minute to play in the first half and the Nets carrying a 47-41 lead, <span>Deron Williams</span> picked the ball from <span>Terrence Ross</span> who tried to take D-Will off the dribble. The ball scooted toward halfcourt when both Williams and Ross dove to pick it up. Then, a few steps behind, came a diving Kevin Garnett who picked up the ball after Ross kicked it. Whistle blown, hype ensues.</p>
<p>Watch:</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HTWxlJEdlEQ" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>ESPN's Ryan Ruocco gives us the "jersey pop" call.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RiDIYKN8id8" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>It was a defining moment, for sure. The crowd was being criticized across varying social media platforms for most of the first half for not living up to the intensity level that we saw in Toronto. That was, until this moment.</p>
<p>In fairness, you can't necessarily blame the crowd for sitting on its hands. Hype is, always, a give and take, as Deron Williams noted after the game.</p>
<p>"We feed off them, they feed off us," Williams said referring to the crowd's energy. "I thought our crowd was great tonight, and they'll continue to be great," he said. It's hard to disagree with Williams' statement. The reality is, you can't expect the crowd to out-hype the players on the court. That just doesn't happen in basketball.</p>
<p>For all the slack we gave Raptors' GM Masai Ujiri for his "F--- Brooklyn!" rallying cry, in the end it was the defining moment Raptors fans needed, and they were able to feed off of it. Speaking to a crowd of thousands before Game 1, Ujiri fed off the fans, then excited and enticed them -- the give and take -- and spurred a moment that they could carry into the Air Canada Centre. It was fuel on a fire that needed to be lit.</p>
<p>Garnett's "jersey pop" was exactly that for Nets fans. It was the give that they needed to take. And they took it, ran with it, and turned the Barclays Center into the loud, raucous playoff atmosphere they promised it would be.</p>
<p>This was their "F--- Brooklyn!" moment. Except, you know, a little more family friendly.</p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/26/5655152/nba-playoffs-kevin-garnett-jersey-pop-video-game-3-masai-ujiriTom Lorenzo2014-04-25T22:06:27-04:002014-04-25T22:06:27-04:00Nets take a 2-1 series lead, beat Raptors at home
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LLncvTfFyj44zQ3q87HPENo7XCY=/0x0:2039x1359/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32170775/USATSI_7886722_154224518_lowres.0.jpg" />
<figcaption><a href='http://www.usatodaysportsimages.com/preview/7886722'>Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>BROOKLYN - Welcome home, Brooklyn! Friday night was Game 3 of the first round playoff series between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a>. The two teams entered the series tied at 1-1, but Brooklyn was looking to continue their hot streak of home basketball.</p>
<p>Happy to be back in Brooklyn, the Nets took a 2-1 series lead as <span>Deron Williams</span> <span>Joe Johnson</span> and <span>Paul Pierce</span> led the way. The Nets topped the Raptors, 102-98, showing the toughness throughout that Pierce had asked for after Game 2.</p>
<p>The Nets got out to a quick and, more importantly, aggressive start. After Paul Pierce said the team was "soft" in Game 2, you could see that they were going to "go hard," early and often. <span>Kevin Garnett</span>, Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce all got hits on <span>Jonas Valanciunas</span> early, sending a message that they were going to make him work hard for each rebound and post-up.</p>
<p>Midway through the first, <span>Mason Plumlee</span> entered the game for Kevin Garnett at his regular 6-minute mark, and off the first play out of the timeout, Plumlee went up to ball deny <span>DeMar DeRozan</span>, knocking him over -- in a clean play -- and once again sending the message of toughness.</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<p>Brooklyn lost its rhythm late in the first quarter, allowing the Raptors to build a bit of a lead, 23-19, at the end of one.</p>
<p>Kidd went to the bench to start the second quarter, along with <span>Shaun Livingston</span>, who entered the game as a gam-time decision. <span>Andrei Kirilenko</span>, who didn't play in the first game, got in early in the second quarter. He helped provide some much-needed activity to a somewhat listless bench unit.</p>
<p><span>Andray Blatche</span> hurt his knee midway through the second quarter when he collided with DeMar DeRozan. He had to head to the bench to be tended to by trainer Tim Walsh.</p>
<p>The Nets were down 35-33 when Kidd put the starters back in at the 6-minute mark of the second quarter. They managed to build a lead. It also helped that Jonas Valanciunas picked up his third foul with five minutes to go in the second.</p>
<p>Pierce got the crowd amped up when he crossed over <span>Tyler Hansbrough</span> on his way to a wide-open dunk. With a minute to play in the second the crowd had finally gotten into the game, as the Nets led 47-41. Williams, however, picked up his third foul in the closing second of the half.</p>
<p>At halftime, the Nets led 49-45.</p>
<p>The Nets foul woes hit them early in the third when both Livingston and Garnett picked up their fourth fouls. Fortunately, Joe Johnson was there to pick up the slack, hitting back-to-back threes, giving the Nets a 9-point lead with seven minutes to play in the third. Johnson was on fire, scoring 10 points in the quarter.</p>
<p>Andray Blatche returned to the game at the 3-minute mark in the third, after Mason Plumlee had picked up his third foul. Paul Pierce nailed a three late in the third to keep the Nets lead at seven, followed by a baseline drive where he hit Blatche for an easy dunk.</p>
<p>At the end of the third quarter, the Nets led the Raptors 77-66.</p>
<p><span>Mirza Teletovic</span> opened the fourth quarter hitting a three and really igniting the crowd. Pierce, Johnson and Williams continued to lead the charge, while the Raptors attempted to work the ball back into the paint with the Garnett- and Plumlee-less Nets.</p>
<p>With 6:45 left in the game, <span>Kyle Lowry</span> picked up his fifth foul when he reached in on Blatche. He hit both free throws to give the Nets an 86-73 lead. One play later, Valanciunas picked up his fifth foul. Both players stayed in the game.</p>
<p>Brooklyn continued to hit shots, responding to every Raptors run. Again, it was the trio of Johnson, Pierce and Williams leading the way for the Nets.</p>
<p>The Raptors pulled to within four in the final minute before <span>Greivis Vasquez</span> was called for a technical foul. Williams hit two free throws, but they couldn't put the Raptors away. Williams later missed three of four free throws and DeRozan hit a three-point play to pull the Raptors to within one point.</p>
<p>Lowry fouled out with 20.3 seconds remaining, sending Livingston to the free-throw line where he hit one of two of his free throws, giving the Nets a 2-point lead. On the missed three throw, Blatche fouled <span>Patrick Patterson</span> on the rebound sending him to the line. Patterson missed both free throws.</p>
<p>The Nets finished off the Raptors, winning 102-98.</p>
<p>Johnson finished with a team-high 29 points. Williams added 22 points. Pierce had 18 points and five rebounds.</p>
<p>Game 4 is Sunday in Brooklyn at 7:00 PM.</p>
<p><b>For more on the Raptors, see: <a href="http://www.raptorshq.com/">Raptors HQ</a></b></p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20140425/TORBKN/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore" target="_blank">Nets vs. Raptors - Game 3 Box Score</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li><span><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/25/5652526/nba-playoffs-game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-toronto-raptors-7-00-pm">NBA Playoffs Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors, 7:00 PM </a>- NetsDaily</span></li>
<li><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/25/5654374/nba-playoffs-2nd-half-game-thread-nets-vs-raptors">NBA Playoffs 2nd Half Game Thread: Nets vs. Raptors </a>- NetsDaily</span></li>
<li><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/04/25/0021300123-tor-bkn-1h.nba">Raptors vs. Nets: Highlights (Video)</a> - NBA.com</span></li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/04/25/0021300123-tor-bkn-play5.nba">D-Will's Stepback Jumper (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/04/25/0021300123-tor-bkn-play1.nba">Dump It In (Video) </a>- NBA.com</span></li>
<li><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/04/25/0021300123-tor-bkn-play1a.nba">Lowry With The Left (Video)</a> - NBA.com</span></li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/04/25/0021300123-tor-bkn-play2.nba">DeRozan To Hansbrough (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/top_plays/2014/04/25/20140425-dotn.nba" target="_blank">Dunk of the Night: Paul Pierce (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/top_plays/2014/04/25/20140425-aotn.nba" target="_blank">Assist of the Night: Deron Williams (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/04/26/0021300123-tor-bkn-johnson-highlights.nba" target="_blank">Johnson Nets 29 (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/04/25/0041300123-tor-bkn-gm3-post-johnson.nba" target="_blank">Postgame: Johnson and Williams (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/04/25/0041300123-tor-bkn-gm3-post-kidd.nba" target="_blank">Postgame: Jason Kidd (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2014/04/25/0041300123-tor-bkn-gm3-post-casey.nba" target="_blank">Postgame: Dwane Casey (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10841599&ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">Nets Hold Off Furious Rally From Raptors (Video)</a> - ESPN</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10841546&ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">Nets Fend Off Raptors (Video)</a> - ESPN</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/26/sports/basketball/nets-avoid-collapse-and-put-raptors-in-a-hole.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0" target="_blank">Nets Avoid Collapse and Put the Raptors in a Hole</a> - YES Network</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/video-kevin-garnett-dives-floor-sends-barclays-center-frenzy/" target="_blank">VIDEO: Kevin Garnett dives on floor, sends Barclays Center into a frenzy</a> - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li>
<a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/highlight-paul-pierce-blows-tyler-hansbrough-slams/" target="_blank">HIGHLIGHT: Paul Pierce Blows By Tyler Hansbrough & Slams It Down</a> - The Brooklyn Game<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/lints-role-fan-barclays-channels-drake/">Lint's Role: A fan at Barclays channels Drake (GIF) </a>- The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fbrooklynnets%2Fpierce-and-kg-fire-up-the-home-crowd&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netsdaily.com%2F2014%2F4%2F25%2F5654386%2Fnets-raptors-playoffs-game-3-score-recap-final-2014" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Pierce and KG fire up the home crowd (Audio)</a> - Chris Carrino - WCBS via Brooklyn Nets Podcast<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2014/04/the_nets_found_a_way_to_win_while_the_raptors_learned_valuable_lessons_dalessandro.html" target="_blank">The Nets found a way to win while the Raptors learned valuable lessons</a> - Dave D'Alessandro - Star-Ledger</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2014/04/nets_hold_off_raptors_for_game_3_win_102-98.html" target="_blank">Nets hold off Raptors for Game 3 win, 102-98</a> - Craig Wolf - Star-Ledger</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2014/04/see_rihanna_wows_the_crowd_at_the_raptors-nets_playoff_game.html" target="_blank">SEE: Rihanna wows the crowd at the Raptors-Nets playoff game</a> - Kevin Manahan - Star-Ledger</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/nets-win-game-3-in-nail-biter-102-98-1.1003596" target="_blank">Nets win Game 3 in nail-biter, 102-98</a> - Andy Vasquez - The Record</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/sullivan-garnett-helps-nets-gain-momentum-1.1003610" target="_blank">Sullivan: Garnett helps Nets gain momentum</a> - Tara Sullivan - The Record</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/basketball/d-will-johnson-spark-nets-1.1003640" target="_blank">Nets: Deron Williams, Joe Johnson to the rescue</a> - Steve Popper - The Record<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/raptors-landry-fields-trying-to-make-the-most-of-his-minutes-1.1003365" target="_blank">Raptors' Landry Fields trying to make the most of his minutes</a> - Steve Popper - The Record</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/lawrence-avoiding-collapse-nets-finish-stronger-article-1.1769743" target="_blank">Nets hold off Raptors late in Game 3, must finish stronger if they plan to advance </a>- Mitch Lawrence - New York Daily News</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-hang-defeat-surging-raptors-2-1-series-lead-article-1.1769512" target="_blank">Nets hang on in waning moments to defeat surging Raptors, take 2-1 series lead </a> - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News </li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-insider-pierce-brooklyn-don-assist-fans-article-1.1769735" target="_blank">Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett wake up silent Nets crowd</a> - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News </li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/04/26/moment-of-truth-as-pierce-comes-alive-for-nets/" target="_blank">Moment of truth as Pierce comes alive for Nets</a> - Howie Kussoy - New York Post<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/04/25/nets-hold-off-raptors-take-2-1-series-lead/" target="_blank">Nets hold off Raptors, take 2-1 series lead</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/04/25/nba-draft-returning-to-barclays-center/" target="_blank">NBA Draft returning to Barclays Center</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/04/26/blatche-has-big-game-off-bench-in-nets-game-3-win/" target="_blank">Blatche has big game off bench in Nets’ Game 3 win</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/04/25/joe-johnson-not-impressed-by-landry-fields/" target="_blank">Joe Johnson not impressed with Landry Fields</a> - Zach Braziller - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/04/26/dynamic-duo-of-johnson-and-williams-help-nets-finish-strong/" target="_blank">Dynamic duo of Johnson and Williams help Nets finish strong</a> - George Willis - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/04/26/raptors-guard-suffers-multiple-injures-in-loss/" target="_blank">Raptors guard suffers multiple injures in loss</a> - Fred Kerber - New York Post<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/26/sports/basketball/nets-avoid-collapse-and-put-raptors-in-a-hole.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0" target="_blank">Nets Avoid Collapse and Put the Raptors in a Hole</a> - Andrew Keh - New York Times<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/joe-johnson-scores-29-as-nets-top-raptors-take-2-1-lead-1.7831700" target="_blank">Joe Johnson scores 29 as Nets top Raptors, take 2-1 lead</a> - Rod Boone - Newsday</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/neil-best/nets-give-fans-something-to-cheer-about-barely-1.7831650" target="_blank">Nets give fans something to cheer about</a> - Neil Best - Newsday</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/brooklyn-nets-blog-1.3784506/nba-playoffs-let-nets-know-to-stay-focused-1.7825063" target="_blank">NBA playoffs let Nets know to stay focused</a> - Neil Best - Newsday</li>
<li> <a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304518704579523864203989926?mod=WSJ_NY_Sports_LEFTTopStories&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304518704579523864203989926.html%3Fmod%3DWSJ_NY_Sports_LEFTTopStorie" target="_blank">Nets Hold Off Raptors, Take 2-1 Series Lead</a> - Alex Raskin - Wall Street Journal</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2014/04/26/scotto-eff-this-brooklyns-backcourt-spoils-masai-ujiris-trip-to-brooklyn/" target="_blank">Joe Johnson and Deron Williams Spoil Brooklyn Trip for Masai Ujiri and Toronto Raptors</a> - Michael Scotto - Sheridan Hoops<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/18107/rapid-reaction-nets-102-raptors-98?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">Rapid Reaction: Nets 102, Raptors 98 - Brooklyn Nets Blog</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/18115/nets-win-in-some-ways-feels-like-a-loss?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">Brooklyn Nets win, in some ways, feels like a loss</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/10842030/brooklyn-nets-respond-trash-talk-win-home-game-3?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">Brooklyn Nets respond to trash talk with win at home in Game 3</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/18087/kidd-04-nets-knicks-wasnt-really-a-series?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">Kidd: '04 Nets-Knicks 'wasn't really a series'</a> - Ohm Youngmisuk - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/10842324/2014-nba-playoffs-toronto-raptors-irked-late-calls-greivis-vasquez-brooklyn-nets?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">2014 NBA playoffs -- Casey: Calls 'difference in game'</a> - Ohm Youngmisuk - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/escapism-nets-102-raptors-98-playoff-game-grades/" target="_blank">ESCAPISM: Nets 102, Raptors 98 (PLAYOFF GAME GRADES)</a> - Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/repping-nets-barclays-game-3/" target="_blank">Repping the Nets (and gawking at Rihanna) at Barclays (Game 3)</a> - Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/brooklyn-nets-102-toronto-raptors-98-game-3-playoffs/" target="_blank">Nets, Fighting Themselves, Squeeze Out Win</a> - Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://snynets.com/nets/game-recap-nets-102-raptors-98/" target="_blank">Game Recap: Nets 102 — Raptors 98</a> - Brian Erni - SNY Nets</li>
<li> <a href="http://snynets.com/nets/raptors-head-coach-its-the-refs/" target="_blank">Raptors head coach: It’s the refs</a> - Brian Erni - SNY Nets</li>
<li> <a href="http://snynets.com/nets/erni-media-making-the-garnett-narrative-up-as-they-go-along/" target="_blank">Media making the Garnett narrative up as they go along</a> - Brian Erni - SNY Nets</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.torontosun.com/2014/04/26/raptors-offence-goes-stale-in-game-3-vs-nets" target="_blank">Raptors offence goes stale in Game 3 vs. Nets</a> - Ryan Wolstat - Toronto Sun</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.torontosun.com/2014/04/25/raptors-beaten-up-and-bruised-but-vow-to-fight-on-against-nets" target="_blank">Raptors beaten up and bruised, but vow to fight on against Nets</a> - Steve Simmons - Toronto Sun</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.torontosun.com/2014/04/25/live-raptors-vs-nets-game-3" target="_blank">Raptors drop Game 3 to Nets in Brooklyn</a> - Mike Ganter - Toronto Sun</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.torontosun.com/2014/04/25/raptors-terrence-ross-trying-to-figure-out-how-to-succeed-in-playoffs" target="_blank">Raptors' Terrence Ross trying to figure out how to succeed in playoffs</a> - Mike Ganter - Toronto Sun</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2014/04/25/raptors_terrence_ross_at_loss_to_explain_his_poor_nba_playoff_appearance_so_far.html" target="_blank">Raptors: Terrence Ross at loss to explain his poor NBA playoff appearance so far</a> - Lori Ewing - Canadian Press</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2014/04/25/raptors_huge_rally_comes_up_just_short_against_nets_in_game_3.html#" target="_blank">Raptors’ huge rally comes up just short against Nets in Game 3</a> - Doug Smith - Toronto Star</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.thestar.com/sports/doug_smiths_sports_blog.html" target="_blank">LIVE: Raptors-Nets Game 3 in-game blog</a> - Doug Smith - Toronto Star</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2014/04/25/raptors_fans_refuse_to_let_mother_nature_rain_on_their_parade.html" target="_blank">Raptors fans refuse to let Mother Nature rain on their parade</a> - Gemma Karstens-Smith - Toronto Star<br>
</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2014/04/25/raptors_fall_in_brooklyn_but_all_is_not_lost_arthur.html" target="_blank">Raptors fall in Brooklyn but all is not lost: Arthur</a> - Bruce Arthur - Toronto Star</li>
<li> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theglobeandmail.com%2Fsports%2Fbasketball%2Fwheels-come-off-late-for-toronto-as-nets-edge-raptors%2Farticle18239345%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netsdaily.com%2F2014%2F4%2F25%2F5654386%2Fnets-raptors-playoffs-game-3-score-recap-final-2014" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Raptors comeback falls just short as Nets take series lead</a> - Cathal Kelly - Toronto Globe & Mail</li>
<li> <a href="http://sports.nationalpost.com/2014/04/25/toronto-raptors-late-comeback-falls-short-in-loss-to-brooklyn-nets-trail-series-2-1/" target="_blank">Toronto Raptors’ late comeback falls short in loss to Brooklyn Nets, trail series 2-1</a> - Eric Koreen - National Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://sports.nationalpost.com/2014/04/25/toronto-raptors-point-guard-greivis-vasquezs-brashness-is-just-what-his-team-needs/" target="_blank">Toronto Raptors point guard Greivis Vasquez’s brashness is just what his team needs</a> - Eric Koreen - National Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://sports.nationalpost.com/2014/04/25/toronto-raptors-fan-mimics-drake-with-lint-rolling-celebration-in-brooklyn/" target="_blank">Toronto Raptors fan mimics Drake with lint-rolling celebration in Brooklyn</a> - National Post<br>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/25/5654386/nets-raptors-playoffs-game-3-score-recap-final-2014Tom Lorenzo2014-04-25T20:21:19-04:002014-04-25T20:21:19-04:002nd Half Game Thread: Nets vs. Raptors
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ulQNSTINbg7OlNIiLmSOJIsbcYY=/0x72:1358x977/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32168515/USATSI_7886665_154224518_lowres.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Anthony Gruppuso-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.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a> at halftime, 49-45.</p>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20140425/TORBKN/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore" target="_blank">Nets vs. Raptors - Game 3 Box Score</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/25/5652526/nba-playoffs-game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-toronto-raptors-7-00-pm">NBA Playoffs Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors, 7:00 PM </a>- NetsDaily</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/25/5654374/nba-playoffs-2nd-half-game-thread-nets-vs-raptorsTom Lorenzo2014-04-25T18:30:09-04:002014-04-25T18:30:09-04:00NBA Playoffs Game 3 Thread: Nets vs. Raptors, 7:00
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OKyKSKM1AP0pHO2wkM8TMft4P2A=/0x48:4000x2715/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32138243/20140419_kkt_sx9_100.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>TV:</strong> MY9, ESPN2<br><strong>Radio:</strong> 880AM CBS</p>
<p>Catch up on the <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Raptors</a> at <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" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5" align="center" border="1"><tbody> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver">Playoffs Game 3 <br id="1397913935125"> </th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center> <center> <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: medium; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;" href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/557322/tor_current.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Tor_current_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/557322/tor_current_medium.gif"></a> </center> </center></td> <th align="center" width="20">@</th> <td width="240"><center><a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: medium; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;" href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/2575381/NetsLogo.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Netslogo_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/2575381/NetsLogo_medium.png"></a></center></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240"> <center>48-34<br>22-19 Road</center> <center>1-1 Series</center> </td> <th align="center" width="20"></th> <td width="240"> <center>44-38<br>28-13 Home</center> <center>1-1 Series</center> </td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>April 25, 2014</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>Barclays Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>7:00 p.m. ET</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>TV: MY9, ESPN2. Radio: 880AM CBS</strong></td></tr> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Probable Starters</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Kyle Lowry</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Deron Williams</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>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>Kevin Garnett</span></td> </tr> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Previous Meeting</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">Nov. 26, 2013</td> <td colspan="2"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/11/26/5149386/nets-raptors-recap-final-score-2013">Nets 102, Raptors 100</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">January 11, 2014<br> </td> <td colspan="2"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/11/5299824/raptors-top-weary-nets-96-80">Raptors 96, Nets 80</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">January 27, 2014</td> <td colspan="2"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/1/27/5352126/nets-raptors-final-score-recap-2014">Raptors 104, Nets 102</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">March 10, 2014</td> <td colspan="2"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/10/5492370/nets-raptors--final-score-recap">Nets 101, Raptors 97</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">April 19, 2014</td> <td colspan="2"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/19/5628250/nba-playoffs-nets-raptors-recap-final-score-2014">Nets 94, Raptors 87</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">April 22, 2014</td> <td colspan="2"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/22/5638168/game-2-nets-at-raptors">Raptors 100, Nets 95</a></td> </tr> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats/" target="_blank">2013-14 Advanced Stats</a></strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>91.8 (23)</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">Pace</th> <td width="240"><span>91.4 (25)</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>108.8 (10)</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">ORtg</th> <td width="240"><span>106.7 (14)</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>105.3 (10)</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">DRtg</th> <td width="240"><span>107.7 (20)</span></td> </tr> </tbody></table>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/25/5652526/nba-playoffs-game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-toronto-raptors-7-00-pmTom Lorenzo2014-04-25T10:37:29-04:002014-04-25T10:37:29-04:00Livingston (illness) expected to play in Game 3
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4jbruVjzWylcvkU29AspfpPIwbo=/0x368:4000x3035/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32141563/20140328_ads_bm3_181.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There's some brief injury-related news as we head into Friday night's Game 3 matchup between the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Brooklyn Nets</a> and <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Raptors</a>. Starting guard <span>Shaun Livingston</span> is ill and did not participate in Friday's shootaround, but <span>Jason Kidd</span> said that he is optimistic about Livingston suiting up and playing.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Shaun Livingston isn't shooting at shoot around due to illness. Jason Kidd remains optimistic Livingston will play tonight.</p>
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotoriousOHM/statuses/459699393642635264">April 25, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Shaun Livingston (illness) will rest for shootaround. Kidd said Livingston will "most likely" play tonight in Game 3.</p>
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_vasquez/statuses/459697794161586178">April 25, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Livingston has been a key piece in Kidd's two-point-guard system, one that really helped the Nets turn the corner when the calendar year turned to 2014.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We'll continue to update as more news comes in, but as of now it sounds like Livingston is expected to play.</p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/25/5652728/shun-livingston-injury-update-game-3-raptorsTom Lorenzo