JERSEY CITY -- The Brookyn Nets moved a game closer in gaining homecourt advantage in the opening round of the playoffs by running away from the Cleveland Cavaliers, 113-95, at the Quicken Loans Arena.
The 43-31 Nets were ranked No.4 in the Eastern Conference entering Wednesday night's game. But their lead over the No.5 Atlanta Hawks (42-34) was just a precarious one full game. Thanks to their Cleveland victory and Atlanta's 95-82 loss to the New York Knicks, Brooklyn's lead rose to two games with eight outings left in the regular season schedule.
All-Star Deron Williams had 24 points and eight assists for the Nets but teammate MarShon Brooks stole the thunder a little bit with 27 points and seven assists. Center Brook Lopez finished with 14 and six rebounds for Brooklyn, which led by 30 at the halftime break, 66-36.
"MarShon Brooks was unconscious tonight. His first half was really exceptional because he defended well, he moved the ball, and when he went one-on-one, it was appropriate with time left on the clock," Nets head coach P.J. Carlesimo told NBA.com
Kyrie Irving and Mareese Speights each had 16 points for the Cavalier while center Tyler Zeller chipped in 14. The 22-52 Cavaliers are a distant No.13 in the Eastern Conference and out of playoffs contention. (RA)
Photo: Andre Blatche of the Nets and Tyler Zeller of the Cavs fight for the loose ball.
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