The Brooklyn Nets visited Chase Center on Sunday to take on the Golden State Warriors for the second and final time this season and won 120-116. Brooklyn won the regular-season series 2-0.
For the Nets, Kyrie Irving had 38 points and nine assists while Nic Claxton had 24 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. Royce O’Neale had 16 points and Joe Harris had 14.
For the Warriors, Stephen Curry had 26 points and seven assists while Jonathan Kuminga had 20 points and three rebounds off the bench. Jordan Poole had 17 points and Kevon Looney had 14 points off the pine.
Brooklyn had a tough time defending Golden State in the first half. The Warriors emphasized trying to score in transition and the Nets were unable to keep up. The second half was a different story.
In the second half, Brooklyn did a better job of limiting Golden State’s transition opportunities and prevented the Warriors from scoring in the paint as easily as they did in the first half. Brooklyn closed the game on a 22-6 run to get to 3-4 without Kevin Durant in the lineup.
Here’s how NBA Twitter reacted to the Nets’ impressive win over the defending champs:
Nets steal a 120-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Unbelievable win for Brooklyn.
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) January 23, 2023
That is one of Kyrie Irving’s best all-around performances as a Brooklyn Net.
2nd straight game I’ve said that. But this one against one of the best teams in the league.
What an outstanding win.
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) January 23, 2023
KYRIE IRVING OWNS THE WARRIORS
— Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) January 23, 2023
Final: Nets beat the Warriors 120-116 behind 38 from Kyrie Irving and 24 and 15 from Nic Claxton. Both career-highs. Nets have won two in a row going into Philly on Wednesday.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) January 23, 2023
That’s a hell of a performance by the Nets.
Kyrie Irving playing out of his mind on both ends of the floor like it’s 2016 all over again. Nic Claxton has become an animal. And the Nets got just enough contributions from the role players. That’s a huge win for them without KD.
— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) January 23, 2023
That’s a HUGE road win. A great team win and most importantly, a W this team needed with lots of positives.
What a game.
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