Nets impressive in preseason opener

By Derrel Jazz Johnson

The Brooklyn Nets won by 48 points over a Brazilian team in their preseason opener at Barclays Center
in Brooklyn, New York last Friday night. The Brazilian team lacked the skill and athleticism to compete
with the Nets, and Brooklyn pulled away at the beginning of the second quarter, leading by double
figures the rest of the way.
Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson talked about the team’s play after the game. “Forty assists…
very positive. It’s a good number against any team. And Taurean, like we talked about pre game, he is
following up on what we see in practices and offseason work. Not only his shooting, but I was impressed
with how quickly he moves on offense. His release is really quick and he can get it off in small spaces. 
Then I thought he made some nice passes too, whether it was off the pick-and-roll or just coming off a
screen and finding guys. So just an all-around good game from him.” Rookie Nicholas Claxton impressed
with 13 points in limited fourth-quarter action.
The Nets travelled to China to play LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.
The game may be cancelled in the wake of comments by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl
Morey's tweet in support of Honk Kong's protesters. China has already cancelled the airing of two games
on their sports station and Chinese actors, musicians and celebrities have withdrawn from NBA related
events.
Note: Sports Editor Andrew Rosario contributed to this article.