With the NBA in Mexico again this season, the Brooklyn Nets have a chance to build off their recent success.
Unless one is a fan of the Brooklyn Nets, they may not notice the Nets have won three of their last five games. Next up for the Nets is a trip to Mexico City, Mexico where the Nets face the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Miami Heat. The Nets are taking “We Go Hard” to Mexico.
NBA in Mexico: Brooklyn Nets Hope to Go Hard Across the Border
Success on the Road
The Nets recently went on a road trip against Western Conference opponents. They were forced to play short-handed as sharpshooter Allen Crabbe missed all three games due to back issues. Starting power forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson left the Grizzlies game injured and missed the games versus the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.
Joe Harris and Trevor Booker filled in admirably for Crabbe and Hollis-Jefferson, respectively. Harris continued to repay the faith shown by the coaches as he contributed timely and consistent scoring throughout, while Booker brought his usual workman-like attitude, contributing double-doubles in victories over the Grizzlies and the Mavericks.
Veteran Leadership Evident
The Nets followed a successful road trip with a disappointing loss Atlanta Hawks upon their return to the Barclays. However, veteran leader DeMarre Carroll,a former Hawk, is unshaken in his belief of his young team. In a recent stint on NBA TV, Carroll spoke of his role with the Nets, playing defense and his relationship with coach Kenny Atkinson.
Vengeance in Atlanta
After that unexpected, heart-breaking home loss on Saturday to the Atlanta Hawks, the Nets exacted sweet revenge on Monday. Swing man Caris LeVert paced a balanced attack which saw six Nets scoring double figures versus Atlanta in a game that Brooklyn badly wanted.
LeVert, Hollis-Jefferson, Harris, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jarrett Allen and Carroll each scored at least 11 point; Trevor Booker also chipped in with 9 points.
On a night where the Nets led the Hawks in all five major categories, a couple of performances stood out. Rookie Jarrett Allen tallied 11 points and 3 blocks. Hollis-Jefferson had a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds), and Carroll continued his consistent play contributing 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
Next up, Mexico
The Nets will help create NBA history on Thursday, December 7 and Saturday, December 9. Because it shall be the first time Mexico City hosts four regular-season games in a calendar year. Reigning league MVP Russell Westbrook, alongside Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, and the Thunder face the Nets on Thursday. While on December 9, the Erik Spoelstra led Miami Heat challenges the Atkinson led Brooklyn outfit.
The NBA Mexico City Games 2017 mark the 25th and 26th games played in Mexico. These games most of all, help the NBA celebrate its 25th Anniversary of playing games in Mexico. Especially relevant, the Brooklyn Nets are excited to play at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico.
General Manager Sean Marks see this as more than another road trip for his Nets team. “The Brooklyn Nets are honored to be the host team for the 2017 NBA Mexico City Games and help the league celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first NBA game in Mexico,” said Sean Marks, Brooklyn Nets General Manager.
National Network Neglect
In closing, the Nets were allocated two games on NBA TV this season. One game was a loss to the Utah Jazz. The other is game on Saturday versus the Heat.
Television networks ABC, ESPN, and TNT shunned the Brooklyn outfit, opting for more fashionable teams like the Suns and Mavericks. Finally, this Mexico trip is the Nets chance to shine on the National and International stage.
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