Nets Prevail, Showing Heat That Rivalry Has Two Sides
It is far too early, perhaps, to assess how the Nets will fare against the Miami Heat as the N.B.A. season progresses. But within a so-called rivalry that has been so one-sided, so punishing, in recent years, it is probably never too early to start the emotional buildup.
This seemed to be the take-away at Barclays Center as the Nets, who carried a 13-game losing streak against the Heat into their home opener Friday night, dispatched the reigning champions, 101-100. It was the Nets' first win over the Heat since March 20, 2009, and it improved their record to 1-1.
'You've got to grow from someplace,' said Kevin Garnett, who had 6 points and 7 rebounds. 'We're trying to set a new creed here, a new culture. You start with getting bears and monkeys off your back.'
Last season, the Nets went 0-3 against the Heat, never putting up a fight. On Friday, though, they showed all the things they said they would after assembling their savvy veteran squad, a group that with a new boldness proclaimed this preseason it could beat the Heat.
The night's tone was set early. The Nets were unhappy about their ball movement Wednesday night, when they lost their opener to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they looked crisp in jumping to a 27-18 lead and getting center Brook Lopez (13 points, 6 rebounds) involved.
As the first quarter was coming to an end, Jason Terry sank consecutive 3-pointers, and he broke out his airplane celebration, spreading his arms, as he jogged back down the sideline. He cupped his hands around his mouth and joined in the 'Brook-lyn' chant.
He waved his hands, asking for more volume. It was a brash move, and the crowd loved it.
There was substance to the Nets' game, too. They harassed and frustrated LeBron James (26 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists), who had frequent annoyed conversations with the referees.
The Nets built their lead to 16 during the third quarter. As the Heat surged down the stretch, the Nets showed a spine.
The game's tense finish, then, made the final whistle more cathartic. James hit a 3-pointer with four seconds remaining to cut the Nets' lead to a point. But Joe Johnson (19 points) swaggered to the free-throw line on the other end and hit both attempts. The Nets fouled Chris Bosh on the ensuing inbound pass, and although he made both free throws, the Nets played keep-away on the inbound pass as time expired.
The Nets, like every other team, entered the season with the Heat squarely in their cross hairs. But there remains an emotional gulf to overcome first, a ragged recent history to wash away.
Entering Friday's game, they had lost to the Heat 13 straight times. And James, dating to his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, carried a 17-game winning streak against the Nets.
The Nets' personnel changes this season have changed the rivalry's complexion, but whether they make it more competitive is still a question. They have already supplied some extracurricular tinder.
James created some headlines last month when he said that Pierce and Garnett, the former longtime Celtics, were hypocritical, given that they had criticized Ray Allen after he left the Celtics to join the Heat. Garnett, the next day, suggested in so many words that James mind his own business.
On Friday night, when a reporter tried to ask James before the game about the Nets, his response was pointed. 'I'm not answering any questions about the Nets,' he said. 'K. G. already told me to worry about my own team.'
James may have legitimate worries after the Heat fell to 1-2.
The Nets were as close to full strength as they had been since training camp. The medical staff loosened the reins on Deron Williams, who was limited on Wednesday to 22 minutes - and no fourth-quarter playing time - as he continued his return from a sprained right ankle.
And Andrei Kirilenko, who missed the Nets' last five preseason games and season opener because of back spasms, returned to the team, checking into the game late in the first quarter.
The atmosphere was boisterous throughout. Celebrities and boldface names - David Beckham, Magic Johnson, Allen Iverson and the rapper Fabolous, to name a few - were shown on the video board and received big ovations.
But the players got the loudest cheers. As the Nets fought off a Miami surge, Pierce stuffed James with less than five minutes on the clock, bringing the fans to their feet.
It was one game, one obstacle overcome.
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