Brooklyn Nets beat Maccabi T-A, 111-94

The Brooklyn Nets came away with their first win in the NBA preseason with a 111-94 rout over the 2014 Turkish Airlines Euroleague champions, Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League). This was the first acid test for Nets new head coach Lionel Hollins, who ended up passing it with flying colors. The Brooklyn offense got them to an early 12-2 lead in the first quarter. Nets center Brook Lopez was an unstoppable force in the paint as he got in the flow early with eight points and three rebounds.

Maccabi was not to be easily outdone. They opened up the second period with an 8-0 run of their own and were able to execute their game against the Nets’ reserves. Their advantage went in a puff of smoke as Deron Williams was able to reel in his team’s focus when he checked back into the game. He sparked a 10-3 rally and secured control of the tempo once again.

Despite Maccabi’s laudable effort, Brooklyn and its floor spacing was not to be trifled with as it allowed them to pound the ball down low as well as find open looks for players waiting on the wings. Brook Lopez finished the game with 20 points and five rebounds as he had his way in the paint. Deron Williams added 17 points and seven assists.

Former NBA guard Jeremy Pargo led Maccabi Tel Aviv with 27 points and seven assists. Sylven Landesberg put up his second strong performance in an NBA preseason game with 14 points and eight rebounds.