The Brooklyn Nets dropped the last of their five-game road trip with a loss to the Utah Jazz.
- Brooklyn Nets (5-8)
- Utah Jazz (6-7)
- Vivint Smart Arena: Salt Lake City, Utah
- NBA, Final Box Score
After pulling off an impressive win over the Portland Trailblazers, the Brooklyn Nets dropped their game against the shorthanded Utah Jazz. 2017 Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert was out with a right knee contusion.
Nonetheless, Brooklyn’s weakness for big men remained apparent. Backup center Derrick Favors scored 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the win. The Nets haven’t played rookie Jarrett Allen in five games, but his 6-11 frame would have helped subdue Favors down the stretch.
Rookie guard Donovan Mitchell poured in 26 points, including multiple points off Nets turnovers in crunch time.
Point guard D’Angelo Russell was back to peak play, before injuring his knee halfway through the fourth quarter. He’s missed one game with a knee injury already this year, and has a history with issues in both.
Prior to injury, Russell scored 26 points on 10-17 shooting from the field. His presence was missed at the end of the game, and likely is to credit for the Nets loss.
There is no report yet on the severity of his injury.
Forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 19 points and 6 rebounds, including a 11-12 stretch at the free throw line. It’s his second game back from knee injury.
Brooklyn shot well from the field as a unit, 47 percent. Unfortunately, their 17 turnovers was more than they had assists on the night (13). Backup point guard Spencer Dinwiddie sat out with a hamstring issue, and Russell only record 3 total on the evening.
DeMarre Carroll continues to shine after being dubbed a salary dump over the summer. He scored 15 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
Speaking of salary dumps, guard Allen Crabbe’s consistency remains a huge issue for the Nets. He scored only 4 points on an nasty 29 percent shooting from the field.
Hopefully Russell’s injury isn’t that serious, because they will need him desperately come Tuesday, when they host the Boston Celtics.
Point guard Kyrie Irving has led the Celtics to 11 straight wins, and they’re the hottest team in the NBA. Tip-off is at 7:30 PM EST.