Desperately seeking to snap a seven-game losing streak, the Brooklyn Nets produced an impressive come from behind win over the second-placed Miami Heat.
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The 117-113 win moves the Nets to 17-20 on the season, keeping separation between them and the ninth-placed Charlotte Hornets.
Dinwiddie continues All-Star push
While Kyrie Irving's absence with a shoulder injury continues to steal the headlines, Dinwiddie is the real story in Brooklyn, as his impressive season continued as he put together a monster line against Miami.
Dinwiddie had 26 points and a career-high 14 assists, controlling the tempo from start to finish in what was a game played at a frenetic pace.
⭐️ coast to coast ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/c4irw3uo8m
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 11, 2020
Impressively, Dinwiddie registered just two turnovers with his big assist total.
It was the fifth game of the season with 10+ assists, and the only question remains how he will co-exist with Irving, who is set to return within the next week.
Big second half seals win for Nets
Trailing by 12 points at halftime, the Nets were staring down the barrel of an eighth straight loss.
Instead, they were able to respond to outscore the Heat 60-44 over the final 24 minutes, snapping the streak in the process.
Rodi with RANGE 🎯🎯🎯@RODIONS1 | #WeGoHard pic.twitter.com/wOG8usqprn
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 11, 2020
Six Nets finished in double-digit scoring, as Kenny Atkinson's balanced attack came to the fore when needed the most.
Rodions Kurucs finished with 19 points on 4-for-5 shooting from beyond the arc to provide Dinwiddie with able support, while Taurean Prince added 17 and Jarrett Allen posted an 11 point, 11 rebound double-double.
A floater from Prince with just 25 second left gave Brooklyn a 114-111 cushion before Joe Harris went 3-for-4 from the free-throw in the final seconds to secure the much-needed win for the Nets.
Butler responds with strong performance
Earlier in the day, it was announced that Jimmy Butler had been fined $35,000 (USD) by the league for his part in an altercation on and off the court with the Indiana Pacers T.J Warren.
Putting the fine aside, Butler was able to lead the Heat in scoring, continuing an impressive first season as the number one option on a young Miami roster.
Your All-star duo has 3⃣5⃣pts combined at the half (12-16 FG).#HEATtwitter Get. Them. In 👉 https://t.co/5jyJ6CG1fX pic.twitter.com/efGoYmow29
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 11, 2020
Butler scored an efficient 33 points on 12-for-18 shooting, while also reeling in nine rebounds.
The Heat's other potential All-Star and Most Improved candidate, Bam Adebayo was again sensational, finishing with 22 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
Miami's two-game winning streak was snapped, although they remain clear in the second seed with a 27-11 record overall.
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