G82 Nets Rest 6 Players in the Final Game against the Bulls
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 10: Jeremy Lin #7 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on April 10, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Brooklyn Nets decided to rest 6 players in the final game of the 2016-17 season, possibly to use the last game to evaluate several players. The Nets announced Trevor Booker, Jeremy Lin and Brook Lopez will sit out due to rest, while injuries will sideline Quincy Acy (ankle), Joe Harris (shoulder) and Sean Kilpatrick (hamstring).
Both Brook Lopez and Jeremy Lin had a memorable game in a near comeback in the 105-114 loss against the Boston Celtics. Brook became the all-time leading scorer for the Nets franchise with 10,444 total – 25 on the night. Jeremy broke his career high rebounds with 12 and both his free throws made and attempt (16-17). Lin had another strong game with 26 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block in 34 minutes.
Strong April performance and
The game concluded a strong performance by Jeremy Lin in April to lead the Nets with 4 wins and 2 losses. He averaged 18.2 points, 5.8 assists, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 0.5 block in April 2017. He finished the season averaging 14.5 points and 5.1 assists in 36 games, his best season after Linsanity happened with the Knicks in 2011-12 season (14.6 points, 6.2 assists in 35 games). His improvement in 3-point shooting has been notable as he finished the best season high of 37.2% 3FG compared to 32% 3FG in 2012-13 season
Nets vs Bulls Matchup
The Bulls will come inspired to win the game to improve their playoff chance to be 7th or 8th seed as the Nets rested 6 players. It will be interesting if the Nets young players can compete with the inspired Bulls.
Shooting guard Dwyane Wade is expected to play in his third straight game since missing more than three weeks because of a fracture in his right elbow. Wade appeared in 166 playoff games with the Heat and is seeking his first postseason run with his hometown team.
For the Nets, the game offers an opportunity to play the role of spoiler and finish a difficult season with a win.
The Nets announced Trevor Booker, Jeremy Lin and Brook Lopez will sit out due to rest, while injuries will sideline Quincy Acy (ankle), Joe Harris (shoulder) and Sean Kilpatrick (hamstring).
Lopez leads Brooklyn with 20.5 points per game, but he will sit out and not pose a challenge for twin brother Robin, who starts at center for the Bulls.
Lin, who is averaging 14.5 points and 5.1 assists, said he has high hopes for the Nets heading into next season. Brooklyn has won four of its past six games.
“We knew that we didn’t have the initial respect of everybody coming in,” Lin told Newsday. “Unfortunately, the record shows we didn’t disprove that. But that’s all right. The progress and improvement is what we see in the locker room. We’re finishing strong.”
KEY OF THE GAME: The game is an unlikely loss for the Nets
Let’s be thankful that JLin has stayed healthy after the All-Star Break and lead the Nets with 4-2 winning record to close the season in April
Let’s go, JLin and the Nets!
Game link
