They’re still two games out with three to go, but Long Island remains in contention for a playoff spot after a phenomenal comeback and record-setting game by Drew Timme.
The Long Island Nets came into Safurday’s game knowing that it was truly do-or-die for their playoff hopes
The Nets affiliate faced off with the Motor City Cruise who sat just in front of Long Island in G League standings. A loss and Long Island would be mathematically eliminated, but in a game that wound up being an overtime thriller, Long Island picked up a big win, 152-145.
The Nets were propelled by Drew Timme who put together the greatest game in his pro basketball career, scoring 50 points.
It was apparent from early on that Timme, the 6’10” 24-year-old, would need to be the guy if Long Island wanted to walk out of Detroit with the win and stay alive in the playoff hunt. In the end, Timme picked up a new career-high, as he notched 50 points. In the process, the former Gonzaga All-American had an amazing shooting the ball, connecting on 21 of his 26 shots, 80.7% from the field.
Timme also connected on three of his five attempts from deep and connected on four of his six shots from the foul line. He also led the team in rebounds with nine and picked up two assists. To cap off his historic day, Timme picked up one steal and one block.
Reece Beekman played a pivotal role in Saturday’s game, as the Nets two-way acquired in the Dennis Schroder trade played his best game as a Net whether in Brooklyn or Long Island. With under three seconds left in regulation, Beekman hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 145 to force overtime. Beekman finished with 22 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Beekman had a terrific game shooting the ball as he connected on more than half of his shots, finishing with seven connections on his 13 attempts. Beekman connected on half of his shots from beyond the arc, making two of his four attempts, and hit four of his six attempts from the foul stripe.
The Nets other two-ways played big roles as well.
Tosan Evbuomwan connected on seven of his 10 shot attempts, including hitting his solo attempt from deep, and having a decent day at the foul stripe, shooting and connecting on four of his six shots. Evbuomwan finished with 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Tyson Etienne picked up 19 points, shooting 6-of-18 overall and 4-of-14 from deep. Killian Hayes had an effective game as well, notching 18 points, seven assists and six rebounds.. Dariq Whitehead didn’t shoot the ball often, but when he did, he shot it effectively, connecting on five of his six attempts, and going perfect from deep, hitting all four of his shots. Whitehead finished with 14 points.
The first quarter was a very back-and-forth affair. Long Island built a 14-point lead at one point, but only took a four-point lead into the second. Motor City outscored Long Island in the second, 42-34, to take a four-point lead into the half.
The third quarter saw more of the same as Motor City once again outscored Long Island, 36-28. Long Island trailed by eight to enter the final quarter. Long Island chipped away at the lead, outscoring Motor City, 48-36.
Beekman tied the game with under three seconds to force overtime. Timme called the game in an Elam ending scoring his 50th point on the game-winning 3-pointer.
For the Cruise, former St. John’s star Daniss Jenkins finished with 33 points and 18 assists.
Next Up
The Long Island Nets (16-15) look to keep their playoff hopes alive as they return to the court on Wednesday for a matinee game with the Toronto Raptors 905 (13-18). The game tips off at 11:00 a.m. ET and can be watched on the NBA G-League and Long Island Nets’ respective websites.