By Joel Bartilotta, RotoWire
The Brooklyn Nets held on to defeat the Atlanta Hawks, 75-72, in the Las Vegas Summer League opener for both teams Friday at Cox Pavilion.
The Nets (1-0) got out to a big lead and held a 16-point advantage entering the fourth quarter, but the Hawks fought back and made it a one-possession game in the waning moments. DeAndre’ Bembry’s 28-footer missed, though, letting the Nets off the hook.
Both teams struggled offensively, as Brooklyn hit 36.8 percent from the field and 20.8 percent from three-point range, while Atlanta shot 38.8 and 15.4 percent, respectively. But the Nets thrived on defense, totaling 10 steals and four blocks and forcing 22 turnovers, which made the difference.
Isaiah Whitehead, who had five rebounds, and Archie Goodwin, who had six boards, both scored 14 points to lead the Nets. Spencer Dinwiddie added 10 points, three rebounds, three assists and five steals.
Bembry scored a game-high 22 points with four rebounds, two assists and three steals for the Hawks. Taurean Prince totaled 14 points and five rebounds, and John Collins finished with eight points, 11 rebounds and two steals.
Both teams return to action Sunday, as the Hawks play the New Orleans Pelicans and the Nets face the Milwaukee Bucks.
