Russell’s big night wasted in loss to Raptors

24 first quarter points can't help lead Nets to elusive win

March 14, 2018 By John Torenli, Sports Editor Brooklyn Daily Eagle

D’Angelo Russell was on fire early, but he and the rest of the Nets wilted down the stretch during Tuesday night’s home loss to the Raptors. AP photo by Kathy Willens

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D’Angelo Russell couldn’t miss Tuesday night in Downtown Brooklyn.

At least not in the opening 12 minutes.

The Nets’ streaky guard scored 24 of his 32 points in the first quarter, hitting his first seven attempts from 3-point range, but Brooklyn broke down late en route to a 116-102 loss to the Eastern Conference-leading Toronto Raptors in front of 16,654 fans at the Barclays Center.

Russell, who helped Brooklyn get out to a 40-32 lead with his sharp-shooting display, became the focus of Toronto’s defense thereafter as the Raptors clamped down on him and took over the game by outscoring the Nets, 59-35, in the second half.

“They trapped me, forced me to pass it,” Russell said following Brooklyn’s 18th loss in its last 21 games. “We just missed shots down the stretch. I think if we make those shots it might be a different game.”

The Nets will be back in action at Philadelphia on Friday night.