Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press
The Brooklyn Nets misplaced ground on the Philadelphia 76ers for first blueprint within the Jap Conference on Sunday after falling to the Miami Warmth 109-107 at AmericanAirlines Enviornment in Miami.
Goran Dragic tied the game at 107 with 43.6 seconds on the clock. Kyrie Irving then clanged a scurry-ahead three-pointer off the rim, which allowed Miami the different for the last shot.
Bam Adebayo held the ball simply within the arc before attacking Jeff Inexperienced. Adebayo stopped short of the paint and hit a step-abet buzzer-beater for the retract.
With the final consequence, the Sixers’ lead on the Nets now stands at 1.5 video games.
An damage to Kevin Durant will overshadow the defeat for the time being. The 11-time All-Megastar changed into restricted to four minutes before exiting with a left thigh contusion. This changed into most productive Durant’s fifth game abet after improving from a left hamstring damage.
Vital Performers
Kyrie Irving, PG, Nets: 20 aspects, 9 assists, four rebounds, two steals, two blocks
Landry Shamet, SG, Nets: 30 aspects, three assists, two rebounds
Bam Adebayo, C, Warmth: 21 aspects, 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals
Goran Dragic, PG, Warmth: 18 aspects, eight rebounds, six assists, one enjoy
Nunn, Dragic Carry Butler-much less Warmth
An ankle damage relegated Jimmy Butler to the bench for Sunday’s discover. Whereas James Harden changed into unavailable for the Nets, the Warmth gave the impression to be at a definite map back. The blended efforts of Kendrick Nunn and Goran Dragic within the backcourt helped preserve Miami afloat.
Adebayo also highlighted undoubtedly one of Brooklyn’s largest weaknesses. Matching up Inexperienced on the 2020 All-Megastar wasn’t accurate for Brooklyn, however the Nets had few various alternate choices.
Even supposing title contenders no longer obtain to acquire an elite center prowling the paint, having some stage of rim protection remains serious. And that’s the rationale an convey opposing teams will glance to consume each time.
Whereas serving as a you can obtain warning signal for Brooklyn, this game changed into a reminder of why the Warmth don’t appear to be somebody you are searching for to play within the playoffs. Miami will doubtless be in seventh blueprint, however that convey belies how accurate the roster collectively is at its handiest.
And the Warmth are namely harmful with how mighty Adebayo has expanded his offensive repertoire.
Shamet Enjoys Occupation Game
Landry Shamet slowed down moderately within the second half however changed into the standout performer thru the first two quarters, dropping 18 aspects by halftime. And talking of dropping issues, he threw down a nice two-handed jam within the gap body.
Shamet realized his shooting stroke all but again within the fourth quarter as he hit a pair of three-pointers that place Brooklyn ahead 103-99 with 4: 34 closing.
As mighty because the Nets’ three handiest gamers understandably obtain the bulk of the honour, their depth is a wide luxury for a roster as high-heavy as Brooklyn’s is. Shamet may perhaps well perhaps now not play love this every night, however he’s undoubtedly one of a pair of Nets gamers previous the All-Megastar triumvirate who obtain the flexibility to change the course of a game.
What’s Next?
The Warmth obtain their second game in as many days Monday at dwelling in opposition to the Houston Rockets. The Nets continue their three-game avenue day out Tuesday in opposition to the Fresh Orleans Pelicans.
