The Brooklyn Nets used a big second and third quarter to achieve their first two-game winning streak of the season on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns. Jeremy Lin, who missed the last game with an ankle injury, returned to the starting lineup and led the Nets' attack.
The Nets are the worst team in the NBA this season but they could finish the seasons strong. They have played great since Jeremy Lin returned after the All-Star break. He helped stabilize the offense and his play instilled confidence to the team.
It was visible in Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons that the Nets had confidence despite playing without Jeremy Lin. Brook Lopez carried the Nets to a 98-96 win that put a dent in the Pistons' playoff hopes.
Jeremy Lin suffered a right ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He landed on the foot of J.J. Barea after an awkward jump shot attempt five minutes in the first quarter. He did not return to the game and he was ruled out last Tuesday.
However, Jeremy Lin was cleared to return against the Suns and he was inserted into the starting lineup by head coach Kenny Atkinson. Lin finished the game with 13 points, 11 coming in the second quarter, three rebounds and five assists, per NBA.com.
Brook Lopez had a team-high 19 points in the 126-98 blowout win. Quincy Acy, Trevor Booker, Archie Goodwin, Justin Hamilton, KJ McDaniels and Isaiah Whitehead all scored in double figures with the bench scoring a season-high 81 points.
In an interview after the game, Jeremy Lin told USA Today that it's sad that it took them until March to win back-to-back games. However, he is happy that the team is moving forward and they will use the remaining games to improve.
"I think for us, on the outside looking in it's like, 'Man, that's pretty sad.' I guess it is. But on the inside, we'll take every step in the right direction. We'll continue to take and appreciate it and be grateful for it. I think what's happening right now is we are raising our standards slowly," Lin said.
The Nets will try to extend their winning streak to three games on Friday. They visit the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center with Jeremy Lin getting matched up with All-Star point guard John Wall.
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