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Brooklyn Nets: Spencer Dinwiddie’s royal performance

By Ed Easton Jr.

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 25: Spencer Dinwiddie #8 of the Brooklyn Nets goes to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 25, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 25: Spencer Dinwiddie #8 of the Brooklyn Nets goes to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 25, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Spencer Dinwiddie and the underdog Brooklyn Nets turned Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James’ visit to Kings County a royal nightmare.

After only five games into the 2017-18 season, the Brooklyn Nets already look like a different team. The poise and confidence once dormant for the past few seasons has grown among the team and coaching staff. The Nets’ latest victory was more than just another game, as it sent a message to the rest of the league that they are for real.

Entering Wednesday’s matchup against the three-time Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers, the Nets were without leading scorer D’Angelo Russell. Russell is currently sidelined with a knee injury, which opened the door to Spencer Dinwiddie to start at point guard for the first time this season.

The assignment for head coach Kenny Atkinson and company was to figure out how to stop perennial All-Star LeBron James. The Nets kept the pressure on Cleveland all night as the Cavaliers played without Dwayne Wade, putting them in 14-point hole at one point. James did his usual superb effort of 29 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds, effectively notching his 56th career triple-double.

Dinwiddie was the hero along with clutch defense this time around, as he sank the go-ahead 3-point basket with 43 seconds left in regulation. James surprisingly missed both free throws late down the stretch, clinching a hard-fought 112-107 upset win in front of the Barclays Center crowd.

The Nets pulling off an impressive victory of this magnitude without Russell spoke volumes of the team’s effort and resilience. Dinwiddie controlling the pace of the game at point guard was the lead topic on Atkinson’s mind during his post game press conference.

"“Spencer organized us. He hit some big shots, he was aggressive. We keep pushing him to be more aggressive, be more aggressive and tonight he really stepped up, hit some big shots and played excellent defense. It’s really a credit, these types of wins you feel really good about your program because it’s a group effort. There are guys on the bench, Sean Kilpatrick comes in and contributes, and as a coach these are the wins you really cherish.”"

Dinwiddie’s 22 points were a nice substitution for the production expected from Russell in the lineup, further solidifying his spot as the backup point guard. The Nets were among the many teams to be interested in free agent Jameer Nelson before he signed with the New Orleans Pelicans. The absence of Jeremy Lin also opens up the need for Dinwiddie as a ball-handler whether in relief of or alongside of Russell in the backcourt.

The big effort from Dinwiddie was strongly appreciated by his teammates as noted by DeMarre Carroll, who iced the game with two late free throws.

"“He did a great job, next man up. I remember when I had my opportunity back in Utah. You never know what might happen. You just have to be ready. He always was a true professional, came in every day and got his work done, took care of his body, and it is paying off.”"

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The Nets move their record to 3-2, looking to gain more momentum in a road matchup with the New York Knicks on Friday. It is unknown whether or not Russell will be available, but Nets fans are left assured that Dinwiddie can handle the job after dueling with the NBA’s “King,” LeBron James.

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