The Long Island Nets returned to the court for the first-time after the All-Star break for a matinee game with the New Orleans Pelicans G League team, the Birmingham Squadron in Alabama. On the backs of Ben Saraf and Josh Minott’s strong play, Long Island came away with the win in this one, 121-103.
In fact, the G League Nets looked good all-around as Long Island moved up to 14-9 on the season, two games out of first in the East with 11 to play. Their 7-3 record over the last 10 is tied for second among the 31 G League teams…
Saraf made his return to Long Island after spending some time with the big club. Saraf earned a call-up to Brooklyn in January and played in ten games. Saraf had some good showings up in Brooklyn, especially in Brooklyn’s last game before the All-Star break, when he picked up 12 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Saraf looked to build on that strong performance, and he did just that on Thursday afternoon.
Saraf led the team in scoring, tallying 18 points. He connected on seven of his 13 attempts, including shooting 50% from deep. This marked one of Saraf’s strongest shooting performances on Long Island, outside of that 40-point performance back in December. Saraf was a multi-tool player too in this one, as he tied career-highs, hauling in six rebounds and tallying eight assists.
Turnovers remain a bit of a negative for Saraf, as he once again was tied for the team lead in this one with three. However, this was a step forward compared to the six, seven, or sometimes eight turnovers we’ve seen earlier in the season…
Josh Minott made his Long Island and Nets debut in this one. The 23-year-old was traded to Brooklyn for $110,000 in cash considerations on deadline day. Brooklyn assigned Minott to Long Island two days ago to continue to develop under head coach Mfon Udofia.
Minott was on a tear in this one. He connected on five of his 10 shots, including 5-of-9 from deep. Minott’s five triples were his NBA G League career-high for made three-pointers in a game. He finished tied for second on the team, scoring 17 points. Minott grabbed a single rebound and registered two assists, two steals and two blocks. This was a very promising first game at the Long Island level for Minott who is seen as a 3-and-D prospect. The Nets hold a $2.5 million team option on Minott for next season.
Malachi Smith was tied for second on the team in scoring, tallying 17 points. The 6’4” combo guard had another good shooting performance, connecting seven of his 11 shots. He continued to be one of the team’s most consistent all-around players, garnering four rebounds and five assists while turning the ball over three times.
Smith has been averaging roughly three turnovers a game since he was given the starting job with three games of five. It’s his biggest glaring issue. It could be a reason why he hasn’t yet been given a chance with a team on a two-way deal. He’s been playing very well, but the turnovers continue to be a killer.
Grant Nelson once again had a good game …. on minutes restrictions. Nelson played 25 minutes, which was the most he’s played since returning from a seven-week rehab for knee soreness. He was once again the starter with the fewest minutes.
Nelson, who went undrafted out of Alabama in June, put up 14 points, shooting the ball over 50%. Nelson, remaining one of the team’s best shooters, also shone in other aspects of the game, as he hauled in four rebounds, picked up two assists, and most impressively had yet another block. Blocking has become a big part of Nelson’s game. His ability to read shots and time a block cannot be understated. He’s been doing very well, but with his minutes restriction, a two-way spot could be off the table.
Tyson Etienne was tied with Nelson for third on the team in points, with 14. Etienne also had three rebounds and five assists. From one Brooklyn two-way to another, Chaney Johnson had 11 points off the bench. He also had four rebounds, three assists, and a steal to his credit for yet another complete game.
E.J. Liddell have a bad game? No. Did he have a great game? Also, no. Liddell connected on 50% of his shots for just eight points, missing all three tries from deep. He did have 10 rebounds three assists (and three turnovers.) Moreover, he remains one of the best shot blockers on the team, picking up two in this one, which was tied with Nelson for the game lead.
David Muoka had a strong game from the bench, as he finished with six points and eight rebounds. Trevon Scott and Hunter Cattoor also put eight points on the board each in their showings from the Long Island bench. Overall, a very complete team win.
Next Up
The Long Island Nets (14-9) return to the court tomorrow night, on Friday, February 20th, for a rematch with the Birmingham Squadron. The game tips off at 8:00 p.m. EST and can be watched on the NBA G League and Long Island Nets respective websites.