Mikhail Prokhorov now has his first playoff series victory as an NBA owner. Prokhorov didn't move the Nets across the Hudson River to play second fiddle to the New York Knicks. The Knicks were arguably the most disappointing team in the NBA this year. Until further notice the Nets have bragging rights in the Big Apple.
With Sundays dramatic 104-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors, Jason Kidd became the first rookie head coach to win a game seven on the road in NBA history. First year coaches are usually abysmal in deciding games. Kidd is the 19th coach in league history to be in this position and the first to accomplish the milestone.
Paul Pierce was unusually quiet for a game of this magnitude. He finished with only 10 points shooting 4-10 from the field. Pierce chose not to force the action down the stretch, opting to defer to his teammates which proved to be a wise decision. The Nets management acquired Pierce in the offseason to be a closer. His block at the end of regulation is the biggest play of the Nets season thus far.
Joe Johnson led the Nets with 26 points going 11-25 from the field. Johnson may be the x factor for Brooklyn going forward. When Joe cool is playing well the Nets are an extremely dangerous ballclub.
Marcus Thornton was a pleasant surprise for Brooklyn in game seven. Thornton chipped in 17 crucial points in 20 minutes of action off the bench. Brooklyn's bench outscored the Raptors 38-23. A sweet victory was moments away from turning into a disastrous loss. The Nets lead by 12 in the fourth quarter before allowing the Raptors to cut the lead to one.
Brooklyn swept the season series with the Miami Heat 4-0 this year. History is on the Nets side entering this series. On two occurrences in NBA history a defending champion faced a team in the postseason that swept them during the regular season. In both cases the defending champions failed to win that series. The Nets are attempting to become the third team to accomplish the feat.
Brooklyn looked old at times in the first-round. Deron Williams needs to pick up the slack if the Nets are going to compete with Miami. Williams has been quiet thus far this postseason. Despite the ankle woes, he is still the Nets best player.
Brooklyn quietly wanted this series with the Heat. LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Pierce are all familiar with one another come playoff time. Allen decided to take his talents to South Beach, simultaneously becoming the enemy in Garnett's eyes.
Brooklyn has the series they wanted. Now is the time to play ball!
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