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Nets Upset Clippers 129-120

In back-to-back needed games to clinch different things the Nets upset the Clippers 129-120 on Sunday in the bubble. This now makes them 4-2 in their six games down in Orlando.

In their impressive 119-106 win over the Kings on Friday Brooklyn clinched a playoff berth. In their win last night against the Clippers they clinched the 7th seed in the East. Therefore, it’s official the Nets will be going up against the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the playoffs set to kick off next week.

It’s also notable that while in the bubble the Nets have beaten the Milwaukee Bucks as well.

If a few weeks ago someone said that the Nets were going to win four out of their first six games in Orlando (including two against championship contenders) you would probably consider that a “hot take.” The way Brooklyn has been playing though it’s not much of a surprise.

“We’re really showing a competitive spirit about us, which is awesome to see,” said Head Coach Jacque Vaughn. “A group of guys that are gelling together, appreciate each other and are really playing extremely hard and it’s indeed fun to be a part of.”

Gelling together is an understatement to describe how the Nets have been playing. Last night against one of the best defensive teams in the league in the Clippers, Brooklyn dished out 32 assists, well above their season average. Before the season was suspended the Nets had 30+ assists 11 times this season, but since the restart they’ve accomplished that feat in four of their six games.

Assists is just one way the Nets had it going for them offensively. They shot 55.3% from the field and 46.5% from behind the arc and that’s including Joe Harris dropping 25 points going 5-8 from deep.

“Saw the first few shots go down and we were just moving the ball so well. Guys were getting into the paint, making the extra pass. It seemed like all the looks that we got in that first quarter were real good rhythm,” said Joe Harris. “We’re definitely a little bit underestimated. We got that chip on our shoulder and we’re just out here playing for each other. Competing, playing hard and trying to play the right way.”

Playing the right way is definitely something the Nets have been perfecting. In this one they had their way in the paint, at the mid-range, at the free throw line and from the behind the arc, hitting 20 threes (+7 their season average).

The Nets had five players score in double digits, led by Caris LeVert getting a double-double with 27 points and 13 assists. One of the newer Nets, Tyler Johnson, also added 21 points off of the bench, and hit a clutch three late in the game to put away Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers.

Kawhi was the leading scorer for LA with 39 points.

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