The Lakers finally ended their home losing streak on Friday against the Boston Celtics. Now they look to start a winning streak as they take on the Brooklyn Nets.
The Lakers welcome back Nick Young to the lineup and also have moved Kent Bazemore into the starting lineup. The Nets are without Kevin Garnett, but have been great since 2014 started. The Lakers will have to be at their best to get a win.
First Quarter
Paul Pierce got the Nets going from the start with a quick five points and an assist to Kirilenko as the Nets scored the first seven points of the game. Meeks would get two early three-pointers, but the Lakers defense struggled early as they trailed 14-8. The Lakers turnover problems haunted them early and Paul Pierce was on fire as the Nets pushed out to a 27-10 lead midway through the quarter. The bench came in and calmed down the Nets run and a Nick Young three-pointer cut the lead to 12 as the Nets lead 33-21 after the first.
Second Quarter
Kaman put in the first basket of the quarter and a Hill hook shot cuts the Nets lead to eight. A couple of quick baskets by the Nets quickly puts the lead back to 13. Jordan Hill added a basket but a Teletovic three, and some Williams free throws and a jumper puts the lead right back to 17. The Lakers continued to fight back behind their bench as Young and Hill continued to fight and cut the lead to 10. The Lakers continue to battle, but turnovers and defense continue to hurt them. Free throws by Blatche pushed the Nets lead to 16 at halftime.
Third Quarter
The Lakers turn the ball over to start the quarter leading to a Plumlee dunk. Meeks had a beautiful reverse layup and Marshall saved a turnover with another pass to Meeks for a layup to cut the Nets lead to 15. Free throws and a Gasol layup cut the lead to 12 as the Lakers refused to give up. Meeks cut the lead to eight on a runner but a Pierce jumper put the lead right back to 10. Bazemore with a great drive to cut the lead to seven. Brooks hit a three to cut the lead to six but Teletovic responded with two of his own and out of nowhere the Nets are back up to a 12 point lead at the end of the quarter.
Fourth Quarter
Farmar started the fourth with a three, but Anderson hit one of his own only for a Kaman hook to cut the lead to 10. Brooks with a flying putback off a Farmar miss and the lead was only six with eight minutes remaining. A steal and a layup by Young cut the Lakers lead to four. Young hit only one of three free throws after being fouled, but the Lakers rebounding issues popped back up at the worst time. A couple of Nets baskets later and their lead was back to nine. A turnover leads to a fast break layup for Farmar to cut the lead to seven. The Lakers had a number of opportunities to cut the lead to seven, but were unable to convert allowing the Nets to hold on for the victory.
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NBA News: Jason Collins Introductory Press Conference (LAKERS NATION)
