Game Preview - Long Island Nets Nov. 19, 2023

Game Details: 

Matchup: Maine Celtics (1-2) vs. Long Island Nets (3-1)  

Location: Portland Expo; Portland, Maine  

Tip-off: 1:00 PM EST  

Streaming: NBAGLeague.com 

Fresh off the first win of the season in the home opener two nights ago, the Maine Celtics are back in action for a Sunday matinée to complete a two-game set with the Long Island Nets. 

Breaking down the Nets: 

Brooklyn assignment player Noah Clowney and Two-Way guard Keon Johnson led the charge for the Nets last time out, recording 22 and 18 points respectively. The Celtics were able to keep Long Island out of the paint for a good portion of the game, relegating the 6-foot-9 Clowney into more of a floor-spacer role than an interior threat – Maine held the Nets to 48 points in the paint, its lowest mark of the early-season. 

Keeping opponents off the free throw line became an emphasis for the Celtics’ defense after the first two games; limiting the Nets to 11 free throw attempts, controlling the pace and the level of physicality played directly into Maine’s hands. Long Island excelled scoring in transition in wins over Greensboro and Raptors 905 and rank third in the G League in free throw percentage as a team. No freebies for the Nets. 

Kennedy Chandler helped set the tone for Long Island on Friday, stuffing the stat sheet with 11 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Two-Way players Johnson, Armoni Brooks and Jalen Wilson feed off Chandler’s drive-and-kick game and willingness to distribute the ball. 

Three keys to the game: 

Control the tempo: Limit turnovers again, force the Nets to create looks for themselves in the halfcourt and hit threes to keep up with Celtics – Long Island shot just 28.9% from three on 45 attempts last time out. 

Boston connection: Davison, Nathan Knight and Jordan Walsh all turned in great two-way performances in win – the Two-Way and assignment players are a key to success for every team, and it’s clear what Maine’s can accomplish when they’re in sync. 

Battle of the board: Emulating the formula from Friday night’s win is easier said than done – however, the Celtics won the battle on the glass 57-46 and tallied 19 second-chance points. Creating extra possessions for themselves and limiting them for Long Island was a major key to success in Maine’s first win of the year.