Nets Hold off Celtics For Fourth Straight Win

Added by Deshawn Jelani on November 16, 2012.

Brook Lopez drives to the basket as Kevin Garnett defends. (ANDREW GOMBERT CORBIS OUT/EPA)

The Brooklyn Nets narrowly defeated the Boston Celtics 102-97 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Thursday night.

The Nets were up by nine at the half but, in similar fashion to their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier in the season, the Nets blew their halftime lead after being outscored 29-15 in the third quarter.

Luck turned back in their favor in the fourth quarter.  Celtics forward Paul Pierce missed two crucial free throws in the final minute of the game, putting the Nets in position for victory.  The Celtics struggled severely at the point position as they were forced to play without starting point guard Rajon Rondo (ankle).

Guard Deron Williams and forward Brook Lopez both scored 24 points during the contest.  Williams chipped in eight assists and made all of his free throws on the night.  Pierce had 22 points, guard Leandro Barbosa had 17 points, and forward Kevin Garnett added 14 points for Boston.

The Nets posted their fourth straight victory since losing to the Miami Heat last week.  This was a solid win against a good conference opponent, and it showed that the team has resilience and can win tough games against veteran teams.