The Brooklyn Nets have been struggling to generate some momentum and good vibes this season.
They had recently won five out of seven games, but they then lost to the struggling Los Angeles Lakers and surrendered 153 points to the mediocre Sacramento Kings.
On Thursday, Kevin Durant and company took on the Portland Trail Blazers, who have been one of the NBA’s surprising teams with a 10-4 record.
In a back-and-forth contest, the Nets scratched out a clutch 109-107 win, as Royce O’Neale got a tip-in with 0.7 seconds left.
ROYCE FTW pic.twitter.com/qM7D8gSCIH
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 18, 2022
Nets fans across social media are thrilled with the win.
Defense was a big key for the team in this victory, as they held Portland to 38.7 percent shooting and Damian Lillard to 8-of-24 from the field.
This fan loved the defensive effort and performance that helped lead to 27 fast-break points for the Nets.
Defense Bros got Dame locked 🔒 and sent him rolling on skates like Elsa😤
— empyrean.eth (@nextoneaboy) November 18, 2022
This man simply feels relieved.
I can sleep peacefully tonight…Finally pic.twitter.com/nSxEy2IA3W
— Martin Luther Lean (@MorrisChestbutt) November 18, 2022
Multiple Nets Players Stepped Up
Forward Yuta Watanabe had a breakout performance by going 5-of-7 from 3-point range, and some praised his play.
Nothing new here. Two GOATs in Yuta and KD.
— Ryo-WebDev (@luminous_sky23) November 18, 2022
Yuta the Shoota
— NBA_young_J (@NBA_young_J) November 18, 2022
Ben Simmons had perhaps his first strong game of the year with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, and when Portland intentionally fouled him late in the fourth quarter, he managed to convert his free throws to help the Nets’ cause.
This fan wants others to apologize for criticizing and doubting the 6-foot-11 Louisiana State University product.
3/4 FTs and a perfect FG..15/13/7/1 pic.twitter.com/cyrSStBF0x
— Sarcawesome (@sailormontero) November 18, 2022
With a 7-9 record, Brooklyn is still outside of the playoff and play-in tournament picture, but they are just half a game behind the Miami Heat for 10th place in the Eastern Conference.
With Kyrie Irving seemingly on the verge of returning after being suspended for his controversial tweet, it may be time for the Nets to go on a real surge.
NEXT: What Should The Nets Do With Ben Simmons?