NEW YORK -- The Brooklyn Nets (2-6) had been talking about what they needed to do if they were going to end the losing and put together a winning streak that everyone can be proud of. Brooklyn didn't get what they wanted in a very winnable game at the New York Knicks, but they made sure to play for all four quarters against the visiting Charlotte Hornets (3-6).
The Nets beat the Hornets on Wednesday 114-104 thanks to several players stepping up in the second half when the team needed a lift, including some unlikely candidates. Forward Michael Porter Jr. had 26 points and 10 rebounds while forward Julius Randle had 22 points and 4 assists. Rookie guard Mikel Brown Jr. had 18 points and four assists off the bench while forward Danny Wolf had 13
points, five rebounds, and three assists.
The Nets went into halftime trailing the Hornets 57-50 as players like guard Grayson Allen (20 points) and forward Naz Reid (11 points, six rebounds) gave them a run for their money. In the second half, Brooklyn managed to turn the game around on its head as players like Porter (17 points) and Wolf (13) caught fire when their teammates needed them the most.
Here are three Nets takeaways from Wednesday's win over the Hornets:
Michael Porter Jr./Julius Randle Lead The Way
Since trading for Randle this past offseason, the Nets made it clear that he and Michael Porter Jr. would be the players that have to set the tone for the rest of the team if they're going to win games. Randle scored 14 of his 22 points in the first half while Porter 17 of his 26 points in the second half, showing how the veterans did their part in Brooklyn's second win of the campaign.
Nolan Traore/Mikel Brown Jr. Continue Encouraging Development
While the Nets are trying to see how many of the young players will be able to step up when needed as the team tries to win as many games as possible, Traore and Brown have shown their growth in the process. Traore has shown how much his confidence through his scoring and command of the offense while Brown has displayed his ability to get whatever shot he wants when the ball is in his hands.
Danny Wolf/Terance Mann Step Up When Needed
With Noah Clowney leaving this game due to injury and Chaney Johnson proving to be ineffective, Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez had to turn to somewhere else for production and he chose Danny Wolf and Terance Mann as the solutions. Wolf played 19 minutes off the bench to drop an impressive 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists while Mann was a +11 plus/minus despite not having the most impressive statline.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: 3 Nets takeaways from 114-104 win over Naz Reid, Hornets
