Photo Credit: Charles Wenzelberg/ New York Post

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The Brooklyn Nets continue their home stand by welcoming the Detroit Pistons. Brooklyn comes in after losing to Charlotte, whereas Detroit lost to New York on Sunday. Both teams have different sights on a Tuesday night in Brooklyn. The Pistons are looking ahead to this year's NBA Draft. The Nets, however, are on thin ice as each game is crucial for them for the playoffs. Brooklyn sealed the deal with a 130-123 win. 

Brooklyn started their night with eight straight points. Six points came from wide-open three-point shots by Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. If Detroit wanted to make this a competitive game, they could not let those two get off early. What followed next was Detroit being aggressive from the field and from deep. There were eight lead changes at the end of the opening quarter and a Detroit 35-33 lead. 

The second quarter would be no different as Detroit would continue to attack from deep. They went on an 11-2 run, which saw a 12 point lead. Brooklyn's struggles on defense would be the storyline in the first half. Detroit would use that by finding their points in the paint—outscoring the Nets 30-24.

The script would flip in the second half as Brooklyn's defense was something Detroit did not see before. With it came the Nets improved shooting from the field. They went on an 11-0 run to regain the lead, backed up by performances from Durant and Irving. 

The game was tight. Despite that, Brooklyn kept control. 

Brooklyn's starting five would all see double figures in scoring. One of them was an explosive 41 point game by Durant. With it came 11 rebounds as he finished with a double-double. In his second game of the season at Barclays Center, Irving would deliver as he scored 24 while dishing out four assists. Andre Drummond would join Durant as he too finished with a double-double, scoring 14 and picking up 13 rebounds. 

Brooklyn would shoot 55% from the field, whereas Detroit at 48%

The Young Pistons

Four of Detroit's starters finished with double figures in scoring. One of them being the number one overall pick, Cade Cunningham. The rookie of the year candidate finished the night with 34 points, six assists, and one rebound. He came alive in the fourth. Unfortunately for him and his team, it wasn't enough. This year has been all about player development for this Pistons squad. One of them was Cunningham, and Tuesday night was just a taste of what was to come. Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey would each finish with 15 points apiece. 

Detroit ranks 29th in three-point percentage for the season. Brooklyn was in awe when they started the game shooting 60% (9-of-15) from deep. However, as the game would go on, they would lose power. They finished the night shooting 42% from deep, whereas Brooklyn would end at 54%

Where Brooklyn Stands

With Irving now a full-time player for the Brooklyn Nets, there are no more excuses on why they can't compete for a championship. They are sitting at a 40-36 record in 8th place with the win, putting them in Play-In Tournament territory. A full-strength Nets team will be a danger for anyone in the playoffs—specifically the Eastern Conference, regardless of their placement. 

Up Next

The Brooklyn Nets will face the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, March 31, 7:30 p.m. EST. 

The Detroit Pistons will face the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, March 31, 7 p.m. EST.