James Harden and Patty Mills made one of their best performances this season and led the Nets past the Lakers on Christmas Day (122-115).
The two star guards combined for 70 points in the contest, with Harden going for 36 and Mills 34, respectively. As a result, they helped Brooklyn clinch a big road victory over their fellow title contenders.
The Nets made an explosive start and led by 15 in the opening quarter (38-23), but the Lakers came back and cut the deficit to four at halftime (66-62).
In the third quarter, Brooklyn outscored LA 34-20 and managed to extend its lead up to 23 (107-84). A 31-8 run in the fourth, though, enabled the Lakers to tie the game at 115. Yet, the Nets stood tall, closed the game on a 7-0 run of their own and emerged victorious.
The visitors remained on top of the East, at 22-9, in their first game after a week. For their part, the hosts dropped to 16-18 and have now lost five straight.
With the Nets and the Lakers being among the betting favorites to win the title, visit Pickswise for the latest odds in all NBA games.
