The Brooklyn Nets and defending champion San Antonio Spurs were both on the second half of a back to back, as they faced off on Saturday night. Both teams looked somewhat fatigued but regardless, the Spurs were able to do what they always do - move the ball well and find a way to win. This was a matchup that showcased a finished product in San Antonio versus a work-in-progress in the Brooklyn Nets, two teams with two coaches known for their successful systems and rosters, featuring international players. 

Sitting out for Brooklyn was Kevin Garnett - after the triple overtime loss to the Bucks and last night's contest in Oklahoma City - the Big Ticket missed his first game of the season for some much needed rest.  Andrei Kirilenko, who does not have a spot in the Nets' rotation, did not travel with the team. 

Sitting out for the Spurs was Tiago Splitter and Patty Mills as well as Cory Joseph, who has been playing as Parker's backup during Mills' injury. 

Deron Williams and Mirza Teletovic provided the Nets with the bulk of their offensive fire power, as D-Will was aggressive on both sides of the ball and continued to look spry. A moment of anxiety hit both teams when Williams and Parker collided knees, but Parker stayed on the floor and D-Will returned shortly. The Nets are still wary of Williams' health, especially after seeing him writhe in pain after contact in so many instances last season.

D-Will racked up 24 points on 10-of-21 shooting from the field, seven assists, five boards, two steals, and two blocks. Tony Parker had 22 points on 9-of-18 shooting and seven assists on the other end. Both point guards added some energy to a somewhat sluggish game. 

Mirza Teletovic scored 22 on 8-of-13 from the field to go with eight rebounds. Teletovic is no longer just a three-point threat. He's now a legitimate all-around scorer, attacking the basket in a variety of ways. With Garnett sidelined, this could be a preview of what Teletovic might be as a starting power forward for Brooklyn when the time comes. 

Joe Johnson, while not looking entirely out of rhythm, as he has recently continued his streak of unimpressive play that began when he publically scrutinized the team, managed to do some damage against Final's MVP Kawhi Leonard. Iso Joe scored 12 points on 5-of-16. 

Bojan Bogdanovic has been a tale of two players, while looking great at home in Brooklyn, he's struggled mightily on the road and scored only two points, both of which came at the charity stripe. Bojan was 0-of-7 from the field. The Croatian rookie is still adjusting to the NBA and if his improvements at home are any indication, he should be able to play on the road well enough sooner than later.

Brook Lopez was abused by Tim Duncan early and often. The big man continues to struggle and only scored six points on 3-of-8 from the field to go with four rebounds.

Bench Mob:  

Jerome Jordan is now ahead of Mason Plumlee in Coach Hollins' rotation. 

Jordan scored five points and racked up five rebounds.  

Jarrett Jack, who has been on a hot streak, cooled off a bit tonight, scoring six points on 2-of-7 from the field and picked up a technical foul.  

How it Happened: 

The Spurs led from the first quarter and teased pushing the game into blowout territory. A series of runs and responses saw the lead, in the second half, get as close as eight points but timely shots made by Danny Green would seal the Nets' fate, as they emptied the bench in the final minutes of the fourth quarter

Miscellaneous: 

The Spurs have won 12 straight against the Nets on their home court. Brooklyn or New Jersey, it doesn't matter - San Antonio continues to dominate.

Marco Belinelli made his second start of the season.

Rookie Markel Brown made his regular season debut and made his first and only shot - a three-pointer. Welcome to the league, Markel. 

Up Next:  

The Nets will nurse their wounds and rest before facing the winless 76ers, while the Spurs host the Pacers, both on Wednesday.

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About the author
Matt A Moufarege
Vavel Staff Writer covering the NFL/NBA and Misc. Psychology. Queens, New York