BROOKLYN NETS

The Brooklyn Nets knew that they were going to have to play tough against the Memphis Grizzlies if they wanted to snap their four-game losing streak. But against the famously-nicknamed Grit ‘N Grind Grizzlies, winning would always be an uphill slog through mud.

The first half was very… interesting, to say the least.

The problems arose quickly as Jarrett Allen got into early foul trouble, allowing Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marc Gasol to assert themselves by outscoring the Nets 32-20 in the paint. This, in turn, forced the Nets to collapse the defense which gave the Grizzlies space at the three-point line. The Grizzlies shot better and had more possessions than the Nets in the first half — so you can do the simple math on that one.

It was not all doom and gloom, however. The Nets made 13 free throws to the Grizzlies’ paltry six. The offense was, for the most part, chugging along under D’Angelo Russell even against the stout defense of the Grizz.

The game stayed fairly close coming out of the break as both teams struggled to create any real separation, a classic exhibition between these two sides. Naturally, the Nets even survived what has usually been their worst quarter — the third — with only a five-point deficit. Of course, that wouldn’t be too bad, if not for the total disaster that has been the Nets’ efforts in recent fourth quarters.

Instead, miraculously, the Nets has their strongest showing of the night as they went on a 14-0 run to transform a seven-point deficit into a seven-point lead. They would desperately cling to this lead as Memphis constantly attempted to fight their way back. Holding a seven-point lead with under a minute remaining made it appear as if the Nets were going to finally snap their losing streak.

Then Rondae Hollis-Jefferson started our descent into the darkest timeline.

With 33 seconds left on the clock, RHJ over-eagerly closed out on a Jackson Jr. three-pointer that hit, resulting in a four-point play for the Grizzlies. Then as the Nets attempted to inbound on the next play, Russell turned the ball over, ultimately allowing JJJ to hit another three and send the game to overtime.

In the first overtime, things were looking fine for Brooklyn as they maintained a four-point lead for most of the period. And yet, there’s always trouble brewing in these parts. With nine seconds remaining, Mike Conley would tie the game with an easy floater against Jarrett Allen. As usual, the Nets would then promptly blow another chance to put away the Grizzlies as they turned the ball over once again off the inbound.

Double overtime.

Finally, somebody came out firing and Russell hit two three-pointers in a row and then seemingly — through force of will — got an acrobatic layup to go down.

Unfortunately, those would be the only points that the Nets would score for the rest of the game.

This game is, sadly, the magnum opus of the Nets’ failings. They have a propensity for committing silly turnovers. They frequently force poor shots early in a possession. Their individual defensive lapses are plentiful. And there you go, it’s all wrapped up in a holiday bow.

Yet, in spite all of these mishaps, they still had ample opportunities to win this game. This team is right on the cusp of a serious breakthrough, but frustratingly every time they reach for it, they narrowly come up short — often in a more aggravating way time and time again. If the Nets were simply bad that would be one thing — but they aren’t. They have the ability and that is what hurts the most.

Onward to Washington.