The Nets got to enjoy ending their five-game losing streak in the last 24 hours. Not they head to Chicago for the rematch.
The Brooklyn Nets stole hearts on Friday night in the Windy City.
The Chicago Bulls left a fierce winter storm in their city to play at Barclays. But Michael Porter Jr. became the cold-blooded soul snatcher with hitting a late layup to retake the lead -- ultimately leading to the 112-109 home win for Brooklyn.
Brooklyn reclaimed new confidence in ending the long losing streak. But can the Nets pull off another win over the Bulls? Which would become the third victory this season over Chicago?
It's time to dive into three things to look forward to involving this contest.
1 -- Michael Porter Jr. Navigating Through Chatter
Another words...trade talk continuing to hover above him.
MPJ is certainly elevating his trade value with continuing to lead the Nets in scoring. But his Friday's efforts halted a potential completed 20-point comeback on the side of the Bulls.
Still, MPJ came to Brooklyn with one ring via the Denver Nuggets. He looks more like he's in a rebuild in the New York region. Places like Milwaukee present a chance for him to make a new playoff run.
There may be even aggressive suitors in the New York Knicks or the Golden State Warriors who could extend an offer to Sean Marks and his general manager office. But MPJ continues to navigate through the trade distraction.
2 -- Noah Clowney double-double repeat
Porter Jr.'s late surge was the talk of Nets social media. But lost in his heroic finish was Noah Clowney's dominating night.
Clowney dropped 23 points and collected 14 rebounds for the double-double. He even showed his long-range side -- hitting a quartet of threes to finish second on the Nets there.
Clowney has delivered his best outings this season against the Bulls -- including scoring 20 in the December meeting. Perhaps he has another big night on deck.
3 -- Egor Demin Redemption?
Also lost in the Nets' Friday victory? The rookie's struggles.
He earned 19 minutes, but scored only five points. Demin also shot the ball four times from three-point land, making just one basket there.
Demin, though, can get hot once he finds his rhythm. Brooklyn is showing how dangerous it can be moving forward when Demin shoots the lights out. Sunday presents a great opportunity for him to redeem himself on the scoring end -- especially with the Bulls likely keying on Porter for this one.
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