Nets defeat Wizards 111-106

The new-look Brooklyn Nets took on the young Washington Wizards tonight at the Verizon Center. This game was full of debuts for the Nets as Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce played in their first official game as Nets. Also Jason Kidd made his coaching debut—even though he did coach in the summer league.

This game was close in the first half as both teams battled. The Nets did get a lead of 13 points, but the Wizards were able to get back into this game and force overtime. In overtime the Nets were able to score just enough to hold on for the win.

The Nets starters only played 12 minutes. Brook Lopez was strong offensively as he scored 15 points. He didn’t record a rebound, but his effort in scoring was there. In their first games Pierce and Garnett combined for seven points. Their minutes should increase as the preseason rolls along. Overall the starters looked solid, there was some rust, but they did handle business while on the court. It is worth pointing out that Deron Williams missed tonight’s game with a right ankle injury. Once he comes back the Nets should perform even better. Tonight the starters didn’t see much time, but once the games start flowing expect to see them the entire game.

Alan Anderson played well for the Nets as he scored 13 points. Additionally Tyshawn Taylor scored 16 points. Both Anderson and Taylor were strong tonight and really had moments in this game that were huge in this win.

For the Wizards John Wall was huge for them as he scored 16 points and dished out 8 assists. Wall continues to grow into a much more polished basketball player. Tonight Wall was able to hit some very nice mid-range jump shots—an area he has struggled with over his first few years in the league. That improvement in his game will make him that much more harder to guard. In the past defenders would fall off Wall forcing him to shoot, but now if he can knocked down the shot with regularity, he could be an All-Star caliber player.

Overall this was a very turnover filled game. Both teams were woeful in that area as the Nets committed 24 turnovers and the Wizards 23 turnovers. That sloppiness is what kept the game close, each team will clean up that area as the preseason goes on.

This preseason will be huge for the Nets in terms of trying to form chemistry. These games do not count, but in terms of chemistry, they are major. Tonight the Nets were able to win in overtime and hand Jason Kidd his first coaching win.