The Brooklyn Nets beat the Miami Heat on Friday night at Barclays Center for the first time since 2009.
Tied 47-47 at the half, the Nets outscored the Heat 31-20 in the third quarter and managed to cling to that lead for the remainder of the game.
In the fourth quarter, Lebron James hit a deep three with only 4.7 seconds remaining to bring the Heat within one point, but Nets player Paul Pierce followed with two free throws to widen the gap again, News Day reports. Chris Bosh was fouled with only three seconds left on the clock and hit both free throws, but time ran out quickly after the Nets inbounded the ball.
According to ESPN, Nets point guard Deron Williams believed that what the Nets really needed to win this game was confidence. Earlier this week he said, “I don't know if we felt we were a better team than the Heat last year…Our mentality has changed. That is how you got to attack it if you want to win a championship. You got to feel like you are the best team.”
Though their game was far from perfect, the Nets held onto their lead and ultimately won 101-100, defeating the Heat for the first time since March 20, 2009.
Kevin Garnett stated, “I think we wanted this a little more. No disrespect to the champs and what they're trying to accomplish this year. But we knew playing at home, coming from Cleveland, that we would do better...I thought we played strong and played to the end, and as you saw, it was a great game."
This victory improves the Nets record to 1-1. Next up on their schedule is the Orlando Magic at Amway Center this Sunday, Nov. 3 at 4 pm.