Nets deliver magical comeback and upset in win over the Pistons

Michael Porter Jr. (YouTube)

The Brooklyn Nets delivered an impressive comeback and upset on Saturday in a 107-105 win over the Detroit Pistons. The Nets were once down 23 points as they were trailing 77-54 before coming back to win, and were a 13.5 point underdog against the heavily favoured team from Motown. In the second half, the Nets outscored the Pistons 61-43.

The 23 point comeback was the fourth biggest comeback in the NBA this season. The San Antonio Spurs were down 25 points before winning on March 6, the New Orleans Pelicans were down 25 points before winning on December 18, and the Chicago Bulls were down 24 points before winning 113-111 over the Philadelphia 76ers on November 4. 

You just have to look at the standings to see why Detroit was such the heavy favourite. The Pistons leads the Eastern Conference with a record of 45 wins and 18 losses for a winning percentage of .714, The Nets are 13th in the East with a record of 16 wins and 47 losses for a winning percentage of .254.

In Brooklyn’s win, Nets small forward Zaire Williams of Lancaster, California made a key three-point jump shot from 22 feet to put Brooklyn up 105-103 after trailing 103-102. Meanwhile, Nets small forward Michael Porter Jr. of Indianapolis, Indiana made two free throws with 53 seconds left for two key insurance points.

It was a strong game for Porter Jr. as he had 30 points and 13 rebounds. Three more Nets reached double digits in points. Williams had 23 points, power forward Noah Clowney of Spartanburg, South Carolina had 16 points, and center Day’Ron Sharpe of Greenville, North Carolina had 13 points.