Brooklyn Nets: Top 3 individual performances from the 2018-19 NBA season

The Brooklyn Nets entered the 2018/19 NBA season with little optimism. The franchise had won just one playoff series in 10 years, and over the past three seasons, they had managed a combined total of 69 wins.

Starting the season with an 8-15 record did little to dispel fears of another lackluster season, however, the Nets' young roster quickly began to click on the court, and by December, Brooklyn was among the NBA's most in-form teams.

While the Nets couldn't keep up their red-hot form from December and January, they were still able to finish the season with a 42-40 record - which was enough to secure a first postseason appearance since 2014.

Collectively as a unit, the Nets were among the best in the NBA, although there were still a number of standout performances. So, with the season now behind us, here we will take a look at the top 3 individual performances from a promising campaign in Brooklyn.

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#3 Joe Harris vs. Charlotte Hornets - December 26

The performance demonstrated why Joe Harris is among the NBA's most lethal snipers

The Nets entered their December contest against the Hornets with just one defeat in eight games, although Brooklyn still trailed Charlotte in the Eastern Conference standings. This made the matchup a key contest for both sides, and the Hornets led for long periods.

However, Joe Harris made two game-tying 3-pointers in the final 90 seconds of regulation, taking the game to overtime. The game was still tied after one extra period, and was finally decided in OT2 when Harris forced a Charlotte turnover and sprinted away for the game-winning basket.

Harris finished the game with 27 points, shooting 11-for-14 overall, and making 5 of his 8 attempts from beyond the arc. The win also ensured that the Nets took their purple patch of form into the new year.

#2 Spencer Dinwiddie vs. Houston Rockets - January 16

Spencer Dinwiddie enjoyed a night to remember against the Rockets

The 18/19 season was the best of Spencer Dinwiddie's career, and his performance against the Houston Rockets was among the most clutch of the entire NBA season. The 26-year-old scored 25 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter and overtime as the Nets managed to overcome the Rockets in a thrilling 145-142 win.

The Nets trailed by six points with less than 30 seconds of regular time remaining, however, Dinwiddie made three consecutive 3-pointers to send the game to overtime.

Things got even better in overtime as he added the go-ahead basket with 28 seconds left, and despite playing only 32 minutes, Dinwiddie finished with 33 points, 10 assists, and 2 rebounds.

Dinwiddie's performance also helped the Nets embark on a six-game winning run, which proved crucial in securing a playoff spot.

#1 D’Angelo Russell vs. Sacramento Kings - March 19

D'Angelo Russell enjoyed the best game of his career as he scored 44 points against the Sacramento Kings

D'Angelo Russell enjoyed a number of memorable performances during his breakthrough season in Brooklyn, although his performance against the Kings was the standout. Entering the fourth period, Sacramento held a commanding 25 point lead, and the Nets' hopes of making a comeback looked bleak.

However, during an improbable final quarter run, Brooklyn outscored Sacramento 45-18, with Russell scoring 27. Russell's heroics in the fourth quarter contributed to a career-high 44 points, and he finished the night shooting more than 50% from the field.

The recently named All-Star also recorded 12 assists, and he memorably scored 16 straight points during the Nets' stunning fourth-quarter surge. Ultimately, it was an incredible performance in what turned out to be the best season of Russell's young career in the NBA.