Paul Pierce was his team’s second-leading scorer in his Brooklyn debut.
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The Nets’ dream of an NBA title run will have to start with a loss.
Brooklyn’s new-look team lost 98-94 in their season opener at the Cavaliers.
The Nets trailed by nine points entering the fourth quarter, but pulled even with just seconds left in the game. But Anderson Varejao’s jumper with 28 seconds left gave the Cavs a 93-91 lead they would never relinquish.
Point guard Deron Williams, who was questionable with an injured ankle, did play as expected, but just for 22 minutes. He finished 2-of-6 for seven points with nine assists.
New Nets Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett had 17 points and eight points respectively in their debuts. Brook Lopez led all scorers with 21 points on 9-of-18 shooting.
Tristan Thompson led the Cavaliers with 18 points and nine rebounds.
Follow Metro New York Sports Editor Mark Osborne on Twitter @MetroNYSports.
