Nets reaction: Short-handed Nets find a way to beat the Pelicans

With the news that James Harden would be out indefinitely, the Nets had to get used to the personnel that were available, totaling only nine players. What made things worse was the fact that the Pelicans were looking for revenge after Brooklyn stomped them in the first meeting at the Barclays Center.

They started off the game in the mood for revenge too, going up 21-8 on the Nets. Brooklyn responded though before the half ended, thanks to efforts from Jeff Green (11 PTS), Bruce Brown (10 PTS, 6 REBS), and Blake Griffin (10 PTS).

In the second half, it was Kyrie Irving’s turn. He flipped the switch after an uncharacteristic first half and went off for 32 points. It was his clutch plays down the stretch that stood out. Hitting shot after shot when Brooklyn needed it the most. To finish things off, Uncle Drew added a clutch strip on Zion Williamson in the final 4 seconds of the game, which went out of bounds off of Williamson. Irving then sunk two free throws after getting fouled following the play and Brooklyn, somehow, held on to win.

Bruce Brown is the piece the keeps the ship afloat

Bruce Brown has shown time and time again that his energy is needed on the court no matter who is available for the Nets. After going down 8-21, Steve Nash decided to put Brown in the game and suddenly everything changed. The Nets stormed back and the 6'3 guard finished the game with a plus-minus of +12, which was extremely needed in the first quarter. Bruce Brown is truly the Nets piece that keeps the shit afloat, with or without superstars.

Blake Griffin continues to impress

Blake Griffin continues to impress in a Nets jersey. Griffin put up 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists versus the Pelicans. Sean Marks was hoping for this when he signed the former All-Star. Griffin understands he isn't asked to do a lot anymore. That pressure is on the Big 3. His job is to find ways to help the team. To find ways where he can fit in. Lately, and especially this game, that was exactly what he did.

Uncle Drew responds big time

Kyrie Irving blamed himself for not trying find Landry Shamet on Sunday in their game against the Miami Heat. He went 0-8 down the closing stretch and the Nets went on to lose by 2. Even in the postgame press conference, you can tell Irving was upset with himself before stating his regrets in the closing minutes. In the closing stretch against the Pelicans; however, Irving knocked down almost every shot he took in the final five minutes and he capped this off with a strip on Zion Williamson, which can even be viewed as the game-winning defensive play. What a response by Irving.

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