Game Recaps: NetsGC Overcome Early Defensive Miscues with High Powered Offense
May 28, 2021
By Kristian Cuaresma
NetsGC split its games for the second consecutive night, this time against Pistons GT, marking the third and fourth matchup between both teams in less than a week. Brooklyn had previously dropped both contests against Detroit in THE TIPOFF tournament last weekend and last night’s games featured everything from a lineup change to NetsGC breaking the 100-point mark yet again.
RECAP
While Faiz got off to a solid start by scoring NetsGC’s first six points, the rest of the team struggled to find its footing. Choc couldn’t get his jumpers to fall and SlayIsland got into early foul trouble, with the latter having to deal with a cold ring on defense, further complicating Brooklyn’s game plan. Pistons GT power forward Charger’s hot shooting against NetsGC carried over from THE TIPOFF as he nailed his first two attempts from the perimeter.
Free agent pickup Idris made his Pistons GT debut, finishing with 23 points on 50% shooting. He filled the role Killey had previously played, working as an off-ball threat, and cutting to open spaces in late shot clock scenarios. The half was capped by a Faiz three pointer from near center court and a poster from Choc that sent Pistons GT center Ramo stumbling to the ground. Despite these highlights, NetsGC trailed 36-46 at halftime.
Detroit would go on to dominate the second half, with all five players finishing in double digit scoring. Greenlight opened the third quarter with back-to-back threes, including a difficult fading jumper out of the left corner. Ramo controlled the glass on his way to his first double-double of the regular season, scoring 10 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. After NetsGC sunk consecutive three pointers, Pistons GT would milk the clock on its way to a game one victory.
Outcome: Pistons GT wins 68-84
For the second time in as many games, NetsGC responded to a loss at the hands of Pistons GT with a lineup change, re-inserting Legit back into the lineup at power forward. Consequently, the move sent the versatile SlayIsland to lockdown. The change seemed to light a fire under the NetsGC defense, forcing a shot clock and defensive three second violation in the opening quarter.
Whether or not NetsGC’s poor shooting in the previous game had anything to do with it, the team focused on attacking the paint in the first half, with only three of the team’s 23 shots coming from deep. The dynamic duo of Choc and Shotz combined for 35 of Brooklyn’s 37 points. The half concluded with Shotz and Greenlight activating their takeover before dramatically trading buckets. Greenlight finished the half with 24 points on 75% shooting.
After Shotz made headlines two nights ago by finishing 20 of 20 from the field, his teammates returned the favor by shooting a perfect 7 of 7 from three in the third quarter. The streak ended at 10 consecutive threes, with each of Brooklyn’s shooters contributing to the impressive display. Pistons GT’s Greenlight continues to have his way with the NetsGC defense, setting another career high of 50 points. This time around, NetsGC was able to counter with each player finishing in double digits and the team eclipsing 100 points for the second time in the young season. Choc had a historic night with a rare point guard stat line of 33 points and 27 assists, which was only three assists away from setting a new league record.
Outcome: NetsGC wins 112 – 88
NetsGC continues it season next week on June 3 against 76ers GC at 7:00 p.m. EST.