Nets reaction: Brooklyn loses Kyrie, but takes care of the Bulls

The Brooklyn Nets came into Chicago after one of their best comeback performances of the season against the Nuggets. The Bulls came into this matchup as a potential playoff opponent for Brooklyn so Chicago’s players were motivated to keep their season alive in this one.

Masked Bruce Brown put on a show in the first half. He went on a riot going for 15 points and 7 rebounds in the first half. Brown also shot 6-for-9 from the field – all fresh off a fractured nose he suffered in practice the day before on Monday.

Kyrie Irving and Joe Harris joined in by putting up 13 points each in the first two periods. Brooklyn as a whole shot 52 percent from the field to lead Chicago 64-51. Their two turnovers also helped them get out to this comfortable lead. The only player in double-digits at this point for the Bulls was Zach LaVine (17 PTS).

The second half was going down the same route until Nikola Vucevic inadvertently elbowed Kyrie Irving (13 PTS, 5 ASTS), which led to him exiting the game because of a facial contusion. Minutes later he was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Brooklyn took care of business though despite his absence. Eight players finished the game in double figures and Nicolas Claxton (10 PTS, 10 REBS) earned himself his first double-double of his career. The Bulls did make a late surge in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough. Kevin Durant claimed the team-high with 21 points as the Nets took the victory 115-107.

Masked Bruce Brown is a problem

Masked Bruce Brown is a problem and a good one too. He showed what we can expect from him moving forward in this mask. Brown made this so called "character" come to life in the beginning minutes of the game grabbing almost every rebound, catching a sneaky dunk on the Bulls defense and even making a three. Many players don't like playing in masks because it can negatively impact and bother their game; however, there is always cases like Brown's where players will somehow elevate their games with the mask.

The offense is looking playoff-ready for Brooklyn

Brooklyn finished the game with 32 assists and eight players notching double-digits in points. It's safe to say that the Nets' offense is looking playoff ready with only three games remaining in their regular season. With James Harden coming back possibly on Wednesday, this will only amplify the offense even more. These numbers are only bound to increase upon his return.

Landry Shamet's struggles continue

Landry Shamet couldn't buy a field goal versus the Bulls. Shamet went 0-for-5 from the field and 0-for-2 from three. The team, his coach, and the sharpshooter himself are all well aware of his shooting slump. However, everyone including himself still believes that he will get out of it soon. It's all a matter of sticking with it for Shamet. Although he could not make a shot, his plus-minus of 0 indicated that he still had an impact on the floor.

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