The Nets played their first of two preseason games in China as they defeated the Lakers, 114-111, in a close matchup on Thursday morning. Theo Pinson put Brooklyn ahead with a free throw in the final minute before David Nwaba sealed the victory with a steal and dunk.
Starting guards Kyrie Irving and Caris LeVert left the game in the opening minutes and did not return as a precuation after suffering facial injuries. Irving re-aggravated his previous injury -- a facial fracture -- while LeVert was poked in the eye. Neither injury is expected to be serious.
In their stead, Spencer Dinwiddie set the pace for Brooklyn and scored 20 points off the bench. He was joined by 2018 first-round pick Dzanan Musa and newcomer Taurean Prince in an impressive foreign display, while DeAndre Jordan made his first start with the Nets.
With the win, Brooklyn moved to 2-0 so far this preseason. The Nets are scheduled to face the Lakers again Saturday morning in Shenzhen.