Nets force Game 7 with convincing win over Raptors
Add another Game 7 to the growing list.
The Brooklyn Nets pulled off a 97-83 win at the Barclays Center on Friday night, forcing a Game 7 in their first-round series against the Toronto Raptors.
With the exception of Alan Anderson, who was inserted into the starting lineup over Shaun Livingston just before the contest, all five of the Nets' starters finished in double digits, with Deron Williams' 23 points leading the way.
Brooklyn entered the half with a 19-point lead, but unlike Game 3, the Raptors were unable to string together a serious comeback.
Star Performer
When you get a post-game hug from Jay-Z, you know you've done something right.
[Courtesy: Reddit user "Xraging"]
Deron Williams finished with a team-high 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including going 4-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also posted five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and was a game-high plus-25.
Williams also did an excellent job on the defensive end, limiting Kyle Lowry to only 11 points on a miserable 4-of-16 shooting.
Turning Point
It's safe to say that the turning point occurred almost right off the bat.
Carrying their momentum from the fourth quarter of Game 5 into the contest, the Nets hit 11 of their first 15 shots to finish the first frame up 34-19. It was a lead that proved impenetrable for the remainder of the game.
Highlight Reel
Despite leaving the Barclays Center with a loss, the Raptors had their fair share of highlight-reel plays that sent the crowd at Toronto's "Jurassic Park" into a frenzy.
There was a massive dunk from Jonas Valanciunas in the third quarter:
And there was also a huge one-handed slam from DeMar DeRozan on a fast break:
Mr. Whammy, a courtside Nets fan, also deserves some praise for putting a hex on Kyle Lowry while he was at the free throw line.
Quote of the Night
Jason Kidd had an interesting answer when asked about the criticism Williams has faced throughout the series.
Jason Kidd on criticism of Deron Williams: "That's why you read it in the bathroom."
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 3, 2014
Series at a Glance
Game 1: BRK 94, TOR 87 (Nets lead 1-0)
Game 2: TOR 100, BRK 95 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: BRK 102, TOR 98 (Nets lead 2-1)
Game 4: TOR 87, BRK, 79 (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: TOR 115, BRK 113 (Raptors lead 3-2)
Game 6: BRK 97 TOR 83 (Series tied 3-3)
Game 7: Sunday, May 4 - TBA