NBA playoffs 2014, Raptors vs. Nets final score: Brooklyn avoids meltdown in 102-98 victory

The Brooklyn Nets have taken control of their playoff series with a 102-98 victory over the Toronto Raptors in Game 3. The Nets led by as many as 15 points in the fourth quarter, but the Raptors cut it down to a single-possession game following a huge Nets meltdown. Toronto missed five free-throws in the fourth quarter, though, and a technical foul on Greivis Vasquez helped the Nets narrowly eke out a victory.

Brooklyn spread out their scoring between Deron Williams, Paul Pierce and Joe Johnson. The trio combined for 69 points, led by Johnson's team-high 29 points. The Nets assisted on five of their first seven field goals and established rhythm early. They outscored Toronto 30-22 in the second quarter and went into halftime with a four-point lead.

DeMar DeRozan was the only Raptor scoring consistently, ending the night with a game-high 30 points. He was only 8-for-22 from the field but was 13-for-15 from the free-throw line. He aggressively drove to the rim, drawing fouls and marching to the line. Patrick Patterson was key in the Raptors' late run, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter. Toronto out-rebounded the Nets 35-29 but turned the ball over 16 times. The Raptors were ice cold from beyond the arc, making just seven of their 22 three-point attempts.