Former Hoos Joe Harris, Justin Anderson Turn In Highlight Performances In Brooklyn Wins

By: Chris Horne |
Joe Harris was outstanding as the Brooklyn Nets downed the Washington Wizards this past Sunday. ~ Photo Credit: Kim Klement of the Associated Press

Former University of Virginia stars Joe Harris and Justin Anderson enjoyed standout performances in Brooklyn’s two-game winning streak, helping the Nets maintain the No. 7 slot over the Orlando Magic in the 2020 NBPA Playoff race.

Harris was sensational as the Nets picked up a key win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday (August 2). Joey Hoops (or Joey Buckets, if you prefer) scored 27 points on 10-13 shooting – including 6-of-7 from beyond the arc – and pulled down seven boards in the 118-110 victory. Nine of Harris’ 27 points came in the fourth quarter, when the Nets outscored the Wizards 35-25 to secure the win.

While Harris was sidelined for Tuesday night’s matchup with Milwaukee with lower back tightness. Justin Anderson, who has signed on with Brooklyn as a Substitute Player for the remainder of the season, saw 16 minutes of playing time against the East No. 1 seed. Anderson took advantage of his opportunity, posting 11 points (4-7 from the field, including 3-5 from 3) and four rebounds as the Nets shocked the Bucks, 119-116. He provided an ESPN SportsCenter Top 10 highlight with a poster dunk on Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Nets (32-35) have a half-game edge over the Orlando Magic for the seventh spot in the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Both teams are close to locking up playoff spots, as the ninth-place Wizards find themselves 7.5 games behind the Magic with five games left to play. Washington needs to finish the season four games or fewer behind the No. 8 seed to force a play-in game with the No. 8 seed.

Brooklyn faces East No. 3 seed Boston on Wednesday (August 5).

Meanwhile, Malcolm Brogdon scored 12 points and dished out eight assists as the Indiana Pacers downed the Magic, 120-109, on Tuesday night. The Pacers are a perfect 3-0 since the season resumed and are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference.